When it comes to teaching, many people associate strictness with unpopularity. On the other hand, some adults look back on their education and remember their strictest teachers as some of their best. How can this be? The truth is there are ways to enforce rules without being too strict. While it’s important to establish trust and communication with students, it’s also important to bring structure and organization to the classroom. Having fair expectations of students ensures they learn how to prioritize, manage their time and listen attentively. A great teacher imposes rules and makes demands of their students, but in a way that is not intimidating. Having structure in the classroom does not have to include being overly strict, and over time students appreciate the value of discipline.