Stop Power Struggles Before They Start: 3 Self-Regulation Strategies Every Teacher Needs

Nothing derails a lesson faster than a power struggle.

One student digs in, you push back, and suddenly you’re locked in a battle no one can win. Every teacher has been there—and it’s exhausting.

In this episode of the TenX Teaching Podcast, join me and my guest, Rob Saylor, a youth mentor and Behavior Coach known for his unique ability to connect with kids while balancing firm expectations and fun. Rob brings years of hands-on experience working with teens and has developed practical strategies for building trust, setting boundaries, and preventing escalation before it happens. Together, we unpack why power struggles happen, what teachers can do to prevent them, and how your own self-regulation can transform classroom management.

✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

➡️ How to spot the early warning signs of a power struggle before it starts,

➡️ Simple self-regulation techniques to keep your energy calm and centered,

➡️ The “smile, whisper, wait” trick to de-escalate tense situations,

➡️ Language shifts and scripts that redirect behavior without embarrassing students,

➡️ Why your calm energy is the strongest classroom management tool you have.

Whether you’re a first-year teacher or a veteran in the classroom, these strategies will help you reduce stress, protect your energy, and create a thriving learning environment.

👉 Want more tools to build strong classroom connections? Grab your  “Intentional Connections” Poster—a simple resource to help you foster trust and positive relationships with your students from day one. [Download your poster HERE].

✨ Got a teaching story to share? We’re collecting the good, the bad, and the unforgettable moments from the classroom! If you’ve got that one memory that made you laugh, cry, or even cringe a little—and you’re open to hopping on the mic with Mary for a few minutes—we’d love to hear it.

Share your story HERE. 

Know a new graduate who needs some help "adulting?" Send them to our affiliate partner, Isabelle McCleary at WE THRIVE LIFE. Conquer adulthood together! 

👉 If this episode encouraged you, hit FOLLOW so you never miss a dose of inspiration. Then share it with a teacher friend who could use the reminder that the little things matter.

Credits: 

"Catchy Positive Sports Pop Rock", is adapted from "Catchy Positive Sports Pop Rock" by Music for Creators, used under CC BY 4.0. "Catchy Positive Sports Pop Rock" is licensed under CC BY 4.0 by TenXTeaching.