New approach helps with classroom management

No-nonsense nurturing helps teachers with classroom management

A new approach is being implemented at 12 schools in Gaston County Schools to help teachers with classroom management.  The research-based approach is called no-nonsense nurturing, and it is designed so teachers, in their role as a no non-sense nurturer, can create a safe, structured, and consistent learning environment for all students that focuses on engagement, respect, and overall academic success.

There are four parts to the no-nonsense nurturing model that is used in classrooms.  The model emphasizes teachers 1) giving precise directions, 2) using positive narration, 3) implementing an accountability system, and 4) building relationships.

■ Giving precise directions lets students know what teachers expect them to do.  

■ Teachers use positive narration to recognize and point out the actions of students who are following the directions – this encourages other students to also follow the directions.

■ Teachers implement an accountability system to hold students accountable for their actions and choices (both positive and negative) – this creates a fair structure that reinforces classroom rules and expectations.  

■ The key component is teachers building a trusting, respectful relationship with students. This lets the students know that the teacher truly cares about them and their success.

Currently, 10 schools (H.H. Beam, Bessemer City Central, Lingerfeldt, Sherwood, and Woodhill elementary schools and Bessemer City, W.C. Friday, Grier, Holbrook, and York Chester middle schools) have adopted the no-nonsense nurturing model – two more schools (Pleasant Ridge Elementary and Southwest Middle) will be added soon.  Teachers at W.P. Grier Middle School piloted the approach last spring, and school leaders believe it was one of the key strategies that helped the school exceed its academic growth expectations for the 2024-2025 year.

A grant from the Gaston County Education Foundation is making it possible for Gaston County Schools to implement no-nonsense nurturing.  The grant is paying for training and related resources to equip teachers to act as no non-sense nurturers in the classroom. 

■ What is being said about no-nonsense nurturing

William Winston, principal at Holbrook Middle School
“We have spent time training our teachers on the four parts of no-nonsense nurturing, and we are seeing positive results.  We know that a classroom must have structure before it can be high achieving, and this model is bringing the effective structure that we need to make sure that all students are being successful.”

Crystal Hall, teacher at Holbrook Middle School
“As a no-nonsense nurturer, I want my students to be involved in learning.  I want them to know that my classroom is a safe place for them where they can ask questions, be a part of discussions and activities, and realize what they are capable of achieving.  When your classroom has energy, engagement, and purpose, you are going to have a classroom that gives you higher academic results and an overall great educational experience for students.”

Davia Steven-Stewart, teacher at Woodhill Elementary School
“I have struggled at times, and I have colleagues who have struggled with managing the classroom, handling student behavior, and figuring out what the classroom should look like from day to day. Having a consistent structure in place shows our students that, when we are in the classroom, we are going to be organized, we are going to be focused, and we are going to be ready to teach and learn.”