15 Awesome Classroom Management Books

Set yourself up for success with these books.

classroom management books

Looking for recommendations for the best classroom management books? Whether you’re a rookie or a twenty-year vet, here are the top picks recommended by  our WeAreTeachers HELPLINE community.

1. Conscious Discipline by Becky A. Bailey

books about discipline

Why we love it: Bailey offers different “conscious discipline” skills that you can introduce and apply to your classroom one at a time until your management is completely revolutionized.

2. Tools for Teaching by Fred Jones


Why we love it: This book focuses equally on prevention as well as management, and offers resources for professional development with your colleagues.

3. The First Days of School by Harry K. and Rosemary Wong


Why we love it: We can’t stand that outdated advice of, “Don’t smile until December.” Wong and Wong show exactly how to start off the year so that you can smile from day one AND have a successful year.

4. Dream Class by Michael Linsin


Why we love it: Enough with the abstract theories! Practical, helpful suggestions make this an effective read.

5. The First Six Weeks of School (from the Responsive Classroom) 

Why we love it: The United States Department of Education funded a study that confirms the effectiveness of the Responsive Classroom, including gains in math and reading achievement. Sign us up!

6. Whole Brain Teaching by Chris Biffle


Why we love it: The gesture-based student communication system will seriously cut down on “Can I go to the bathroom?” requests interrupting the flow of a great class discussion.

7. Positive Discipline by Jane Nelson


Why we love it: This system, based on a foundation of mutual respect, swaps punishment for productive discipline and praise for encouragement. The result is a positive classroom and a promising future for students even after they leave your class.

8. Setting Limits in the Classroom by Robert J. Mackenzie


Why we love it: Applying Mackenzie’s simple steps to the classroom not only improves teacher-student relationships, but student-student relationships as well. Win-win!

9. The Classroom Management Secret by Michael Linsin


Why we love it: Linsin’s easy-to-read and personable style make this an engaging and informative read.

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10. The End of Molasses Classes by Ron Clark


Why we love it: Clark’s brief chapters based on very specific advice (such as “Build Strong Bonds With Parents” and “Show Them Examples of Excellence”) make this a fun read with a big payoff!

11. Teaching With Love and Logic by Jim Fay and David Funk


Why we love it: Not only does the book provide great advice, but the associated website offers tons of information and free resources for every grade level, students with special needs, and more.

12. Win-Win Discipline by Dr. Spencer Kagan


Why we love it: “It’s all about engagement!” is the motto for this research-based classroom management method. We couldn’t agree more!

13. 1-2-3 Magic by Thomas W. Phelan


Why we love it: The mix of “stop behavior” and “start behavior” tactics will meet you wherever you are in your current management—rookie or vet.

14. Teach Like a PIRATE! by Dave Burgess


Why we love it: What’s not to love about teaching like a pirate?! More seriously, this book focuses on re-energizing your own passion for teaching, as well as providing 30 hooks for captivating your class and 170 brainstorming questions to jump-start learning and engagement.

15. Conscious Classroom Management by Rick Smith


Why we love it: This book is both comprehensive and organized—a great whole-picture snapshot of classroom management at its best.

15 Classroom Management Books to Read Now