How One Middle School Educator Builds Structure and Trust with GoGuardian Teacher

When it comes to middle school, encouraging student motivation can be tricky. But for David Ross, GoGuardian Teacher has become a valuable tool he relies on daily to keep his learners on task.

David Ross did not set out to become a teacher. After studying computer science and spending some time in the industry, he realized something was missing. After working as a substitute teacher, David went on to earn a master’s in education.

Now he teaches middle school math, a role that feels like it was made for him. “I enjoy teaching, collaborating, presenting, and crafting solutions. And honestly, being around middle schoolers kind of fits my personality. I love math and technology, so this role ended up being a great fit,” he explained.

That passion carries into his classroom every day. It is also why GoGuardian Teacher has become such an important part of his practice. For David, the tool is not just about keeping students on task. It helps him create structure, foster equity, and build connections that make learning possible for every student.

Creating a focused and equitable learning environment

“GoGuardian Teacher provides consistent support for keeping students focused and engaged,” David said. “I think of it this way: Caregivers have to watch their kids, and in school, we often have to step into that role. GoGuardian Teacher adds a layer of protection in this vast digital world.”

But to David, this technology isn’t solely for observing what his students are using the computer for. Instead, he values the ability to create structure and uses the platform as a tool for equity, motivation, and connection.

“From the outside, it might just seem like a monitoring tool, but it's more than that. With a glance, I can help multiple students at once. I can lock tabs if needed, which helps students focus. It creates a more equitable environment and acts as another method of learning and communication, all while recording and saving session data. So it really adds another layer of support.”

GoGuardian Teacher also helps when caregivers question what’s happening in the classroom.

“We have to play that role sometimes,” David explained, referring to acting as a substitute parent. “And the nice thing is, GoGuardian Teacher has your back. It provides a layer of protection.”

That layer of protection comes in the form of detailed, time-stamped documentation. With features like chat logs, browsing history, and student activity reports, educators have a reliable digital paper trail they can refer to during parent-teacher conferences or when questions arise.

Building structure with GoGuardian Teacher 

When David first introduces GoGuardian Teacher at the beginning of the year, students are understandably hesitant.

“They weren’t thrilled,” he admits. “But even if they don’t admit it, they like the protection and structure. Kids never say they want structure, but they need and benefit from it. It helps them focus and also teaches the importance of digital citizenship. It keeps them off games, too. Honestly, I wish I had it on my own phone sometimes to keep me off Instagram. So I relate,” he joked.

In his classroom, GoGuardian Teacher has become part of a broader strategy to motivate students who might otherwise disengage. It’s all about incentivizing.

“I’ll tell them if they give me 35 minutes of focused work, I’ll switch their Scene at the end of class to one where they’re not blocked from certain things for five minutes. They call it ‘unblocking,’ but I’m just changing the Scene.”

He feels this is much more effective than trying to prevent them from having a little bit of fun. “Instead of fighting with them for 40 minutes, I get 35 minutes of good work, and they get five minutes of free time. That’s been huge for me.”

What makes this work, he says, is the platform’s flexibility. It allows him to pivot, adjust Scenes, and build new strategies as needed. “Every class is different, every year is different. I can tweak things on the fly, which really helps.”

Building trust with families and guidance for instruction 

The benefits of GoGuardian Teacher extend beyond just the students. For administrators, it provides valuable insights into both student engagement and instructional tech use.

“It shows data on engagement, but also how technology is being used instructionally. I feel it can guide professional development and help inform where resources should go. Plus, it supports digital citizenship and responsible device use, which reflects well on the school.”

For parents, GoGuardian Teacher brings peace of mind and fosters stronger communication. 

“They want to know their kids aren’t just goofing off. If I notice a student struggling with focus or academics, I can share a progress report with parents."

Weaving edtech into a web of engagement

David has also found creative, subject-specific ways to bring GoGuardian Teacher into his math instruction. Whether it’s anonymous peer examples or silent support for shy students, it helps him meet students where they are.

“I use it in real time to showcase a student’s work as an example. If a student is doing well on a problem and others are struggling, I’ll anonymously share that student’s work with the class. They can choose whether or not to say it’s theirs. Some love to call it out, some don’t. But it helps others learn in real time,” he said.

“I also use the private chat feature. Some students want help but don’t feel comfortable asking out loud. They can message me privately, and I can respond without calling them out. It’s been great for building trust with shy students.”

Setting up for success

For new users just getting started, David offers this practical advice: Start by setting up your classes and scheduling recorded sessions. Also, begin by creating an ‘allow-only’ Scene where everything is blocked except the sites you choose to allow.

“It’s way easier than trying to block every site because kids always find workarounds. The ‘allow-only’ setup keeps you in control.”

Above all else, the most important thing to remember is to keep instruction light and engaging. 

“Sometimes when students are working, I’ll project a funny video or picture to everyone’s screens. It breaks the tension a bit.”

From building trust with shy students to motivating disengaged learners with a bit of a free time reward, David shows that while GoGuardian Teacher may be a classroom management tool, it’s also a foundation for structure, communication, and connection.

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