421. Classroom Management for Specials Teachers with Librarian Jackie Barkoo

Classroom management looks a little different when you're a specials teacher! How do you establish consistent routines and expectations when you teach hundreds of students, have limited class time, and manage challenging behaviors in a shared or specialized space? In this episode of Beginning Teacher Talk, Dr. Lori welcomes Jackie, a Chicago Public Schools librarian and 15-year educator, to share how she's transformed her approach to classroom management. From teaching clearer routines to building stronger student relationships, Jackie shares practical strategies that can help elementary specials teachers create calmer, more organized learning environments. In this episode, you'll learn: • How to establish clear routines and expectations in specials classrooms • Why effective attention signals need more than a call-and-response • How to manage transitions and student behavior without constantly raising your voice • How stronger classroom systems create more opportunities to connect with students Resources Mentioned in This Episode: • Learn more about Dr. Lori's programs Listen now for practical classroom management ideas you can use in your library, art room, music classroom, gym, or other elementary specials setting. And don't forget to subscribe to Beginning Teacher Talk for more classroom management strategies and encouragement! Need help with your classroom management as a specials teacher? If you teach art, music, P.E., library, technology, or are a subject specialist who doesn't have your own classroom, Dr. Lori's Classroom Management for Specials Teachers course offers practical strategies to establish routines, prevent challenging behaviors, and feel more confident teaching multiple classes each week. Click here to learn more! Stay connected with us! Follow us on Instagram @beginningteachertalk Looking for quick, actionable PD? Visit our YouTube channel! Be sure to follow, rate, and subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk podcast so you never miss an episode. Warmly, Dr. Lori