I have been teaching elementary school aged children for a couple of years and I just started understanding how to manage a self contained classroom. This year I am teaching 7th grade with students who have caused 7 teachers to quit in the past. My classroom management blows chunks and I am trying the Power Teaching method. I think I am doing something wrong but I am so confused regarding curriculum, school rules, and everything else that I feel lost. I would love any suggestions you can give.

Thank You

Bless your heart - I want to give you a big hug!!

7th graders are tough, especially when there has been inconsistent management in the past. You need to start fresh like it is the first day of school - they will fight you all the way to the end but if you are consistent with the program then it will work.

I started over after maternity leave, in March my second year as a teacher. My sub had a lot of trouble with my students, and things were crazy - I walked in March and turned everything upside down. It was not easy, but my students were successful.

What subject do you teach? What have you done so far?

I feel your pain. I teach 7th grade. Sometimes it is tempting to keep trying something new and keep trying to be stricter and stricter. However, the key is not to come up with a greater punishment. Instead, it is more important to be consistent with consequences and steadily increase as the students repeat offenses. I would suggest you start with the following:
-Rehearse the rules every period using gestures
-Scoreboard (keep acting like it's a game, if you act like you are really angry or upset it will lose it's power)
-Start with one rule at a time and spend time every period rehearsing how to do it right, giving points for and against
-Give them a day where they win at least every 3 or 4 days. If they feel like they can't win, they will give up.
-Find a reward they like, but don't ask them what they want. If you give them that power, they will automatically complain about whatever you use. Watch videos on MindSoccer. My kids love it.

If the kids are too wild for MindSoccer, try something like less homework, choose your own seat for one activity/assignment, bring a snack to class day, music for one activity/assignment, etc. All free for you and valuable to them.