Ultimate Classroom Control Handbook: A Veteran Teacher's On-The-Spot Techniques for Solving Adolescent Student Misbehavior

Shares methods for handling adolescent misbehavior and keeping control in the classroom, beginning with a discussion of consistency and follow-through, and includes topics such as minimizing cheating and giving positive attention.

Dave Foley taught English and social studies at junior high and middle schools in Cadillac, Michigan, for 29 years. Like all teachers, he faced the daily behavioral challenges from his students. Then, after watching his student teachers struggle to keep the classroom under control, Foley realized these teaching novices needed help. To give these teachers solutions to student behavior problems and procedures for running a classroom without chaos, Foley began drafting his book. Methodically, Foley began to study the daily minor annoyances and the occasional serious disturbances that occurred in classrooms. He then noted, in detail, teacher responses that solved the problem.

As a result of his success in the classroom, the school administration asked Foley to present workshops during new teacher orientation dealing with student behavior and classroom management. Central Michigan University brought Foley in to make a presentation to its student teachers on classroom management and strategies for dealing with student behavior problems.

In 2002, teachers in the Cadillac, Michigan, School District named Foley the "Outstanding Person in Education."

As head varsity coach for cross-country for 27 years and junior high and varsity track coach for 9 years, Foley has countless hours of close contact with adolescents in non-academic settings. Foley also worked as a camp counselor for 9 years prior to becoming a teacher. His years at camp enabled him to deal effectively with student behavior problems as a teacher. In recent years, Foley has returned to the camp setting, where he now works with three camps presenting workshops to camp staff designed to help them deal effectively with camper behavior problems.

Foley holds a Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling at Michigan State University. He is known for his engaging and entertaining speaking style in the classroom and before groups.