The Behaviour Whisperer

"Like a GPS for your mouth, The Behaviour Whisperer helps teachers decide what to say (and what not to say) at every turn."

Peps Mccrea, Director of Education at Steplab

"This is an incredibly helpful and practical book, which demystifies the often complex and emotionally draining issue of classroom behaviour. Mark’s key principles and classroom scenarios guide teachers at all career stages with exceptionally clear and structured advice. This is the book I wish I’d have had when I started teaching – a must-read."

Rachel Ball, assistant principal and history teacher

"The strategies that Mark Roberts shares in The Behaviour Whisperer are clear, practical, and informed by a cocktail of research and hard-earned experience. Learning how to respond to the 100 common scenarios set out in this book shouldn't be a matter of trial and error, and with The Behaviour Whisperer, it doesn't have to be."

Jon Hutchinson, Director of Curriculum & Teacher Development at the Reach Foundation

"Times are changing when it comes to behaviour management. For many years, advice was freely given based on hunches and good intentions. Now, with the arrival of The Behaviour Whisperer, we have a beautiful blend of psychological research findings along with practical strategies. This combination of evidence-informed approach and personal experience provides a perfect formula for proactive and positive change."

Bradley Busch, chartered psychologist and director of InnerDrive

"It’s fair to say that, since Covid-19, behaviour has got even more challenging for teachers. For those who want to get better, it can seem like an alchemy, that’s almost impossible to master. Fear not! This timely, enjoyable book, packed with research, humour and concise advice will help you on your way. Written by a leader in school, who is walking the walk, The Behaviour Whisperer doesn’t promise to wave a magic wand but instead acknowledges the complexity of behaviour and acts as a book of spells teachers can keep close – a talisman to traverse the challenging terrain."

Haili Hughes, Principal Lecturer, Director of Education, former teacher, speaker and author

"The Behaviour Whisperer is the book I wished I had when I started teaching. New teachers are often thrown into the deep end and they have to deal with subtle and complex behaviour problems without the relevant tools, the relevant training or the relevant support to tackle them. This book replaces the learning around behaviour that takes years, for most teachers, through trial and error.

Mark Roberts has succinctly and comprehensively covered a range of scenarios that teachers face daily and weekly in the classroom and shown how we can deal with them without escalating a situation. Each scenario is grounded in common sense and offers tips and reasoned thinking around the choices to be made as a teacher.

Mark Roberts is the Jiminy Cricket of behaviour in the classroom, guiding us on the right path. An excellent book that guides new teachers on how to deal with behaviour and offers established teachers a new perspective on things they often take for granted. Roberts might not make you a real boy, but he will make you an even better teacher in the classroom, as far as behaviour is concerned."

Chris Curtis, author of How to Teach English and head of English in a secondary school

"In The Behaviour Whisperer, Mark Roberts offers essential advice for every teacher on the vital topic of behaviour management. The book is laden with practical insights based on common scenarios. It is underpinned by robust research evidence and a savvy teacher's eye. Whisper about it to every teacher you know!"

Alex Quigley, author and National Content Manager at the Education Endowment Foundation

"A comprehensive guide to classroom management, The Behaviour Whisperer serves as a practical handbook for teachers. Relatable scenarios and research-informed suggestions of how to respond in different situations make this book an invaluable addition to the school CPD library, useful to both new and experienced teachers."

Dr Jo Castelino, assistant curriculum leader of science and homework lead

"As I read The Behaviour Whisperer for the first time, I found myself experiencing something akin to the five stages of grief. I felt guilty, knowing that I had, at one time or another, mishandled each of Roberts’ 100 scenarios in the early stages of my teaching career. Then I moved to a state of bewilderment, perhaps even anger, that my teaching program hadn’t bothered to enlighten me with a fraction of the wisdom contained in this book. By the end, however, this book left me feeling hopeful for a profession that equips all its teachers with the skills they need to run a safe and productive classroom. As an instructional coach in a struggling school, this book is a godsend."

Zach Groshell, PhD, instructional coach and host of the Progressively Incorrect podcast, USA

"Mark Roberts does it again! The Behaviour Whisperer is the perfect addition to every teacher’s bookshelf with clear strategies and micro-scripts to support with promoting effective behaviour. If you’re looking to enhance your practice in the classroom, then this is just the book you need."

Yamina Bibi, assistant headteacher, East London