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About Ken Jensen
Expertise
I can answer questions related to secondary math and science. I specialize in problem based curriculum and instruction.

Experience
I am a 20 year veteran Math and Science teacher. I have taught at both the middle and high school levels, and I am currently a Math Coach in the Aurora Public Schools, Aurora Colorado. As a coach, I train other math teachers in the use of research based best instructional practices. I post regularly to the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics (NCSM) list serve as well as to my district's standards based grading website. I was honored with the Colorado Teacher of the Year award by the Colorado Council of Teachers of Mathematics three years ago and have presented at their conference in past years. I particularly enjoy working with parents who question why math is taught so much differently then when they were students.

Organizations
Association Of Supervision and Curriculum and Development National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics

Publications
NCSM list serve CoMath list serve National Science Teachers Association: The Science Teacher.

Education/Credentials
Master of Arts: K-12 interdisciplinary studies. University of Northern Colorado Adminstrative certificate: Denver University

Awards and Honors
CCTM Colorado Teacher of the Year

Past/Present Clients
I currently provide professional development both directly and indirectly to 45 high school math teachers, 12 middle school math teachers, and 8 building level adminstrators.

You are here: Experts > Parenting/Family > Special Education > Teaching Advice > reinfore good behaviour to kids

Teaching Advice - reinfore good behaviour to kids

Expert: Ken Jensen - 10/31/2009

Question
Hi
I would like to know how you do reinforce desirable behavior to the students because I am a new teacher and I am having hard time getting through my kids. I have a grade 5 class.
Thanks
Kylie

Answer
Kylie,
Classroom management is always a difficult part of the job. Engaging students by creating a learning environment where students want to learn is a career-long endeavor. First, I want to say that much of what you are experiencing is very common, and that with perseverance you will learn how to reach your students in ways that seem impossible at the moment. Have you had an opportunity to watch other teachers this year and talk to them about what they do to maintain a learning environment? Second, I want to suggest a book called Choice Words by Peter Johnson. In it the author does a great job of defining the characteristics of a learning environment and what the teacher needs to do to make it happen. Classroom management is all about relationships, and the words you use are critical in forming or destroying relationships. Choose your words well. I encourage you to start the book before Christmas and then send me some of your thoughts. I would love to dialogue with you as you work through this.

Ken Jensen

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