High Expectations

High Expectations: "Clearly communicates high standards for student work, effort, and behavior, and consistently reinforces the expectation that all students can meet these standards through effective effort, rather than innate ability."

How I achieved proficiency:

I was able to set high standards for my students by telling them that they can do the hard things. I would often say "this is something that you will do in high school or college but you are all doing great you can do it now." I also always made it clear that I expected them to try and think for themselves before I jumped in and helped them. This type of encouragement can be scary for them to start but eventually, they realize how much they are truly capable of. I also used the power of yet, something taught to me by my program director, which helps students realize they don't need to be able to do the hard things right away it's not that they can't do it, it is that they can't do it yet. This type of encouragement makes students feel like they can achieve high standards and makes it easier to set high standards.

I also treat my students like real people not less than myself simply because they are younger, and I try to manage them with humor, helping to build both rapport and respect. I also expect that they take ownership when they do something wrong. Meaning, instead of just disciplining them we have a conversation about the situation first so they feel heard.