Standard 4 - Learning Environment – The competent teacher structures a safe and healthy learning environment that facilitates cultural and linguistic responsiveness, emotional well-being, self-efficacy, positive social interaction, mutual respect, active engagement, academic risk-taking, self-motivation, and personal goal-setting.
This artifact was created in the spring of 2020 as an assignment in my General Methods Class. This assignment is a demonstration of my creativity and my ability to utilize technology in a way that will be meaningful for my perspective parents and students. The class website provides information about my background and the type of teacher that I will be. Employers, parents and students can get to know me and to find out what to expect in an upcoming school year. This website provides the classroom rules and expectations, the reward system that would be in place as well as the consequences that students would face if they misbehave. It also discusses the classroom procedures, a few of the instructional strategies that I would use and my take on diversity. Finally, it offers those who use it some suggested readings and websites for students.
This artifact aligns with standard 4 of the Illinois Professional Teaching Standards because indications of this standard are embedded within the website. The About Me statement will show a teacher who is "competent" and the rules and expectations shows one who will "structure a safe and healthy learning environment. The page on diversity represents the idea of having "cultural and linguistic responsiveness". Standard 4 of The Illinois Professional Teaching standard also states that the teacher will facilitate "emotional well-being, self efficacy, positive social interaction, mutual respect, active engagement, academic risk taking, self-motivation and personal goal-setting." Throughout the class website you will find that these characteristics are supported.
In completing this artifact I have learned how important it is to envision your classroom prior to becoming a teacher. I now have a clear idea of how I want my classroom set up and why. I understand how having rules, expectations and consequences prepared on day one will create a smoother transition for students and parents. This website has taught me that there are so many different ways to assist families and just how much technology can help. The more creative you are, the more helpful it is for them. It has also helped me to think of other ways to utilize this website in the classroom and I now see it as a very valuable tool.
The second artifact is a video showing how I decorated my first classroom. The video reveals a learning environment that is clean, well-organized, and motivating. The posters in the classroom encourage students to be respectful of each other and to never give up. In addition, the classroom rules are posted as well as the classroom procedures. I also created a space for self-reflection and emotional support.