Before my first year of teaching, I had two goals in mind.

Goal 1: Create a classroom space that is welcoming and safe for all students who enter my classroom.

4 empty walls, 2 whiteboards, 30+ desks described my classroom as I walked in July 2021. My goal was to create a space that not only I would love, but that students would as well. From the art work to the class guidelines (aka rules), everything was worded specifically so students would know that their voice and experiences are valid. Most importantly, that they matter in this world.

One of the most important things I did on a daily basis was stand by the door and greet each and every one of my students. I would ask them how they are, I would welcome them, and most importantly, I would make sure that they knew they were seen. Over the course of the year, this helped me build a rapport with my students and get to know each of them.

When I had a student come in excited, I would ask them what they were happy about. When a student walked in quietly, hoody on, and keeping to themselves, I would pause and always let them know if they needed extra space today or someone to talk to, they were welcome to speak with me and/or the school counselor, so we could get them the help they needed.

At the end of the school year, students may not remember everything I taught them or that we read together, but they will remember how they felt in my classroom.

Goal 2: As a teacher, my ultimate goal is to make writing and reading accessible to all students and build their confidence in this subject matter.

I understand that some students may never like the subject I teach. However, as their teacher my goal is to break down the material, so every student can have a clear idea of how to understand, analyze, and apply the course material independently.

It is my belief and from my experience this year, that when students feel empowered and heard, they put forward their best effort towards class work and participation. Even my students who struggled through their writing and readings, if they knew that I believed in them and welcomed their thought process, they did not give up.

I do my best to be mindful of my students’ different learning styles because I want all of my students to be able to understand the material at their own discretion. Every student processes material at different rates and in different ways, so I know I need to be able to be flexible in my teaching methods and techniques. Through different teaching strategies and including various class activities, projects, prompts, and technology, I did my best to make sure every student had access to learning.