Where to Find Effective Tools for Managing Student Behavior

Managing student behavior is one of the most vital—and challenging—aspects of teaching. Whether in early education or high school classrooms, educators are expected to not only deliver academic content but also foster respectful, responsible, and engaged learning environments. This dual role can feel overwhelming, especially without the right support. Fortunately, there is a wealth of effective tools available that can help educators create structured, positive classrooms and address behavioral issues before they escalate.

In this blog, we’ll explore various places where teachers, school administrators, and educational support staff can find effective tools for managing student behavior. From digital apps to behavior-tracking systems and professional development resources, these tools are designed to save time, reduce stress, and improve overall classroom dynamics.

1. Educational Technology Platforms

One of the most accessible places to find tools for managing student behavior is through educational technology (EdTech) platforms. These platforms often feature built-in tools specifically designed to help teachers track, analyze, and respond to behavior in real-time.

Recommended Platforms:

• ClassDojo: Widely used in elementary schools, ClassDojo allows teachers to reward students for positive behavior and communicate with parents in real time. Its point-based system makes it easy for students to understand expectations and for teachers to reinforce desired behaviors.
• Kickboard: This platform is tailored for behavior management and data tracking. It helps teachers log incidents, identify patterns, and collaborate with school counselors or administrators to intervene effectively.
• LiveSchool: A school-wide platform for tracking behavior, rewarding students, and collecting actionable data. LiveSchool is particularly useful for PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) programs.

These digital tools can streamline behavior documentation, encourage consistent responses to behavior, and increase accountability among students.

2. Teacher Resource Websites

If you’re looking for practical, ready-to-use strategies for managing student behavior, teacher resource websites are treasure troves. They offer everything from printable behavior charts to full-blown behavior intervention plans.

Top Resources:

• Teachers Pay Teachers (TpT): A community where educators share their own classroom resources, including behavior management systems, check-in charts, and behavior intervention templates.
• Intervention Central: This site provides free tools and resources for academic and behavioral interventions, including self-monitoring checklists, behavior contracts, and social-emotional learning strategies.
• PBIS World: An incredibly comprehensive resource that lists behavior challenges, suggests Tier 1, 2, and 3 interventions, and provides step-by-step implementation guides.

These sites allow educators to customize tools according to the specific behavior challenges they face in their classrooms, making them especially valuable for differentiated instruction and support.

3. Mobile Apps for Classroom Management

In our digital-first world, mobile apps offer educators flexible, on-the-go solutions for managing student behavior. Whether you’re on a field trip, in the cafeteria, or rotating between classrooms, these apps can provide instant behavior tracking and parent communication capabilities.

Must-Have Apps:

• Remind: While primarily used for communication, Remind is a great tool for maintaining a strong home-school connection, which is essential for long-term behavior change.
• Too Noisy Pro: A fun app that visually displays the classroom noise level and alerts students when they need to bring it down. Great for younger students who respond well to visual feedback.
• Classcraft: This gamified classroom management app turns behavior into a role-playing game. Students earn points and rewards for exhibiting positive behavior, collaboration, and responsibility.

The beauty of mobile apps lies in their ease of use and integration into daily classroom routines, helping to reinforce consistent expectations and reduce behavioral disruptions.

4. Professional Development Workshops and Webinars

Managing student behavior isn’t just about having tools—it’s also about knowing how and when to use them effectively. That’s where professional development (PD) comes into play. PD workshops and webinars provide educators with a deeper understanding of behavior management theories and hands-on strategies they can immediately apply in the classroom.

Where to Find PD Opportunities:

• Edutopia: Sponsored by the George Lucas Educational Foundation, Edutopia regularly publishes evidence-based strategies and offers free webinars on topics like restorative justice, trauma-informed teaching, and classroom management.
• ASCD (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development): Offers on-demand courses, books, and conferences that cover managing student behavior from a whole-child perspective.
• Local School District PD Programs: Many districts offer in-house PD sessions on behavior management, often tailored to their own student population’s needs.

Investing in ongoing professional development ensures that educators stay current with the latest best practices in managing student behavior, including how to use digital and non-digital tools effectively.

5. Behavioral and Mental Health Organizations

Many behavior issues stem from deeper psychological or emotional challenges. Organizations dedicated to student mental health often offer specialized tools, guides, and curricula to help educators understand and address the root causes of negative behavior.

Notable Organizations:

• The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL): Provides research, tools, and training on SEL (social-emotional learning), which plays a crucial role in managing student behavior.
• The Child Mind Institute: Offers resources for teachers dealing with behavioral issues related to ADHD, anxiety, depression, and more.
• National Association of School Psychologists (NASP): Shares evidence-based practices for creating supportive school climates and managing student behavior through positive reinforcement.

These resources go beyond surface-level behavior correction and focus on fostering long-term behavioral improvements through empathy, communication, and understanding.

6. Books and Publications

Sometimes, the most effective tools aren’t digital—they’re found in books written by experts in the field. These texts offer timeless principles, evidence-based strategies, and in-depth insights into student behavior.

Recommended Reads:

• “The Classroom Management Book”by Harry and Rosemary Wong: A foundational guide that emphasizes procedures and consistency.
• “Lost at School”by Dr. Ross W. Greene: Focuses on understanding the reasons behind challenging behavior and collaborative problem-solving.
• “Teach Like a Champion”by Doug Lemov: Offers specific techniques and routines that promote classroom order and student engagement.

Reading books like these allows educators to build a deeper understanding of behavior dynamics and implement proactive strategies rather than reactive punishments.

7. Peer Collaboration and Mentorship

Sometimes the best behavior management tools are the ones shared across the hall. Veteran teachers often have a wealth of experience and tried-and-true techniques for managing student behavior. Collaborating with colleagues through PLCs (Professional Learning Communities) or mentorship programs can be incredibly helpful.

Ways to Collaborate:

• Mentorship Programs: New teachers should seek guidance from experienced colleagues who can share tools and strategies that have worked in similar settings.
• Grade-Level or Subject Teams: Share behavior expectations and consequences to provide consistency for students across different classrooms.
• Online Forums: Websites like Reddit’s r/Teachers or the WeAreTeachers community offer peer-to-peer advice and support for navigating behavior challenges.

The key here is consistency. When students see aligned behavior expectations across multiple classrooms, they’re more likely to adjust their behavior accordingly.

Building a Behavior Toolkit That Works for You

Finding effective tools for managing student behavior isn’t a one-size-fits-all endeavor. Each classroom is unique, and what works for one teacher may not work for another. The most successful behavior management systems combine the right tools with thoughtful planning, clear expectations, and empathy for students.

When sourcing tools, consider your student demographics, the specific behaviors you’re addressing, and the kind of classroom culture you want to foster. Use a combination of digital platforms, practical resources, ongoing training, and peer collaboration to create a system that supports both you and your students.

In the end, effective student behavior management isn’t about control—it’s about creating an environment where students feel respected, motivated, and safe to learn and grow.