Tom Bennett discussing classroom management
Will the UK 'Behaviour Tzar' make points that are relevant for kids with disabilities and their teachers?
Tom Bennett, UK authority on classroom management, will join Robert Pondiscio of the American Enterprise Institute for an on-line discussion about classroom management. The stream of the session is open, called “Running the Room: Tom Bennett’s Strategies to Transform Classroom Management,” and will occur Tuesday 29 July 2025 from 4:00–5:15 PM (US Eastern Time)
Here’s a screenshot of AEI’s page describing the event. It’s linked to a page on the AEI site where one can register for the event and obtain a Web location to watch it. I’ve registered. (Alternatively, go here to register.)
Mr. Bennett, who was sometimes called “the behaviour tsar” in the UK, maintains a site advertising his services. He champions the idea that educators—particularly administrators—should strive to create whole school environments that promote appropriate student behavior. He predicates his recommendations on his observations-experiences visiting many schools across the UK (and internationally). Mr. Bennett’s research is not experimental; it’s more in the process-product tradition. Readers who want to know more can read “Creating a Culture: How school leaders can optimise behaviour,” Mr. Bennett’s 2017 report to the UK government.1
Robert Pondiscio is one of the scholars affiliated with AEI.2 He writes about diverse topics including funding, charter schools, school choice, and such. However, he understands a good bit about teaching; he taught for a while and he supports efforts to infuse scientific evidence into teaching and even Big DI!
AEI is a US “think tank” devoted to promoting politically conservative perspectives. It usually discusses issues at the level of policy, not practice. It only sometimes has anything directly relevant to special education and disabilities, and when it does, it is likely to be about some broader topic such as vouchers. It’s wonderful that it is hosting this event.
Dear Readers, you might not only want to watch the discussion, but also you might want to share the opportunity with you friends and colleagues…or even have a “watch party!”
Footnote
The UK Department of Education also published a suite of documents in support of changing behavior in schools. Learn about them at “Further guidance and resources for supporting behaviour in schools.”