If you consider yourself an easygoing teacher, you may be wondering how you can be both “easygoing” and “firm” at the same time. First, it’s important to remember that being firm isn’t a personality trait, but a skill employed to effectively manage a classroom. Being firm when the time calls for it will you allow you to create an environment where your easygoing nature fully supports your students. For teachers looking to cultivate a firm approach to classroom management while staying true to their laid-back nature, TeacherPop recommends these three tips for learning and student success.

1. Set high expectations.

Just because you’re an easygoing teacher doesn’t mean you don’t have high expectations of your students. The expectations you set for your students—and yourself as a teacher—are critical to their success, and they’re also key to creating a classroom environment where your laid-back personality can truly shine. When you set clear expectations for your class and adhere to them each day, your students will quickly follow suit, and the actions and behaviors you hope your students will display will become second nature to them. But don’t forget to model those high expectations yourself and have the confidence to be firm if your students happen to deviate slightly off course. Often, all it takes is a firm nudge for your students to get back on track.

2. Make sure classroom rules are well-defined.

As an easygoing teacher, you may choose to manage your classroom with a simple set of rules and guidelines for behavior. And while the number of rules may vary, it’s important to make sure that the rules you do set for your classroom are clear, concise, and easily understood. Determining when to be firm can be a challenge, but with rules and expectations that are well-defined and boundaries that are clearly outlined, knowing when to be firm won’t be an issue.

3. Be consistent.

Consistency may be the most important component of successful classroom management. After setting high expectations and defining classroom rules, you’ll have to enforce them consistently. This may force easygoing teachers out of their comfort zones, but consistency is key to creating a learning environment that fosters academic success. Also, the more consistent you are with enforcing rules, often the less firm you will ultimately have to be.

Are you an easygoing teacher that had to develop a firm approach to classroom management? What strategies worked for you? Share your tips below!