Brian Mendler

Relationships are rarely built in the big moments. They're built in the small ones. In 30 seconds at the door greeting a student with a smile, high five, or a simple "Glad you are here!" In a compliment after a hard conversation. In a quiet correction. In choosing to listen instead of lecture. #thatonekid

One-on-one can be intimidating for an elementary student, so give up the physical advantage right away. So get down to their level and then go a notch below if you can. Not as a strategy, just as a starting point! #thatonekid

Stop focusing on changing the behavior. Instead focus on changing how you respond to the behavior. One I control. One I don't. #1 rule learned in recovery, "If I change me, I change everything around me."

When dealing with disruptive students it is best to do so privately if possible. Recognize that for some students, it is very important to look "cool" in front of their friends. The audience matters and removing the audience from a contentious situation will ofter change how the child reacts. It's one reason that when kids get in a fight, they don't normally do it in the broom closest. Audience matters! #thatonekid

Relationships are a two way street. I share something about me and you share something about yourself. Building connection with students means they have to know you. Not just your favorite color and animal. Share your struggles and successes. #thatonekid, #classroom

Power struggles feel like wins. They are not. You might "win" the moment, but we lose something bigger. Yes, they sit down. Yes, they stop arguing. But inside the relationship just took a hit. And influence lives in relationship! #thatonekid

Tips for Disrespectful kids 1. Be the example of respect even when they are not there yet 2. Smile anyway. It still maters 3. Lead with kindness, especially when it's hard 4. Be glad they should up. That's a win #thatonekid

Houston, TX — Don’t Miss This! Join me for a powerful, practical session: Engaging, Motivating & Managing Hard to Reach, Uninterested & Disruptive Students 📅 June 5, 2026 ⏰ 8:00 AM – 12:15 PM 📍 Houston, TX If you work with challenging students, this is the training you’ve been waiting for. 🔥 Transform your approach. Reach every student. Take back your classroom. 👉 Register now & secure your spot! brianmendler.com.

Students don't change long-term for someone they feel defeated by. They change for someone they feel connected to. #relationshipsmatter #education #thatonekid

You don't have to attend every argument you are invited to! Decide today you are no longer going to argue with an 8, 10, 13 year old! #classroommanagement #thatonekid #education

On-A-Roll. Rewards growth, effort, character. For the kids, who might not make honor roll, but are putting in the effort and working hard. Sometimes the ones that never hear their name...are the ones who need it the most. #rewardingeffort

How to stop oppositional kids in their tracks!

No behavior problem students! Behaviors are the solutions students are choosing to solve their problems. They probably don't even know what their real problems are. We have to help them discover the root cause of their behaviors and offer solutions to their problems. #education

Why do you want to give your students so much power over you? #classroombehavior

Stay personally connected to kids without taking personally what they do & say. It's not about you. It's about 10 (or more) things going on in their world. They take it out on us because we are often the first ones they see, but it's not about you! #KidsBehavior #thatonekid

When a student acts inappropriately ask: "Why do you think that is okay?" "How can you help fix this situation?" "What can we do differently next time?" Questions build reflection. Reflection builds change. #PositiveDiscipline #StudentBehavior #BehaviorIntervention

Hear What Not How...When working with challenging students, hear what they are saying—not how they are saying it. Their how often ruins their what. #Education #TeachingTips #StudentSuccess #EdChat #TeacherLife

Stop using the term "behavior problem" when discussing students. Behaviors are not the problems, but rather the solutions kids are choosing to their problems. We just need to show them a better way to solve their problems! #BehaviorSupport #TeachingTips

Behavior improves when students: -feel connected to the teacher, one another & the curriculum -believe success is possible -feel respected -are given responsibility #StudentBehavior #PositiveEducation

@DrSTATE00 Good point...I was thinking for the student.

@BrianMendler Student or teacher?

Hey teachers what do you think is the #1 skill needed to be successful in school? Why?