Classroom Environment

I am constantly working towards creating a safe, respectful, culturally responsive, supportive, and challenging learning environment. I have mutually respectful relationships with my students. I am careful with my words, never approaching students to scold their behavior but rather to ask how they are doing to understand the reason behind their behavior. I also make clear to students that my classroom is a safe environment where they can take risks and must treat each other respectfully. I did this by co-creating community norms on the first day I taught. I also instantly address any misbehavior in my classroom. 

I also make clear to my students that I hold high expectations for them. I talk to them at the beginning or end of class; I stop them in the hallways to see how they are doing. And I share my goals for them, such as regularly coming to class or sharing their ideas with their classmates more, because I know they are more than capable of doing the work I ask them. This repertoire I have with students makes it easier to get them back on task without much initial pushback; they know that the things I ask them to do are for their betterment. 

There are many areas in Cluster 3 where I am strong. For example, I am intentional about circling the room to check every student's progress, allowing me to interact equitably and fairly with students. My goal is always to divide my attention evenly. This also allows me to monitor student learning and respond to off-task behavior. With the help of my mentor, our “classroom is arranged to support instructional goals and active learning activities.” The way the desks are arranged in clusters allows students to sit in groups, encouraging collaboration. I have also assigned seating charts dependent on each student's learning styles, thinking about with who they would work best and be most productive.