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.

Class Website

Artifact Description:

This assignment was created in my General Methods course (ASPED380). It is a classroom website for 2nd grade. I used Wix to create it. My website includes the home page, classroom rules/expectations, rewards/consequences, procedures, instructional style, diversity, Spanish 101, and Motivation. The purpose of this artifact is to show a learning environment in a digital form. My website states what my classroom expectations are. I created this website as part of a requirement for the course to fulfill Illinois Professional Teaching Standard 4: Learning Environment. I created this site to gain knowledge on what I expect of myself as a future teacher, and to provide information for parents and students about my class before the school year starts.

Connection to the IPTS standard:

This artifact was a perfect demonstration for Standard Learning Environment, Understand principles of the strategies for effective classroom and behavior management (4A). I designed a page discussing the rules and expectations I will implement in the classroom. Also, I have set out rules for students to follow along with consequences for when rules are not being followed.

4I: creates a safe and healthy environment that maximizes student learning. On my home page, I included a classroom diagram representing the classroom layout that will expand my student's learning.

4J: creates clear expectations and procedures for communication and behavior and a physical setting conducive to achieving classroom goals. I followed this indicator by laying out classroom expectations and procedures and how they will be enforced in the classroom.

4O: uses a variety of effective behavioral management techniques appropriate to the needs of all students that include positive behavior interventions and supports. I followed this indicator by explaining how I implement a behavior contract and reward system in managing my classroom.

Description of what I learned:

I learned a lot of interesting things when creating this website, something fundamental I learned was that communication and parent involvement play a significant role in a student's success. It is crucial to form a positive relationship with the students, and teachers need to provide all the appropriate resources to make this happen.

I plan on using many of the ideas from my website in my future classroom. My website is an excellent way for parents to be aware and know what is expected from their child to have a successful year. I plan on using my website as a reference for future classes.

Artifact 2 Description: A structured classroom is crucial to learning and providing a healthy environment for students. A classroom needs to be adapted according to students' needs and abilities. This artifact demonstrates how organized and structured these classrooms are based on the student's needs.

Connection to the IPTS standard: This artifact was a perfect demonstration for Standard Learning Environment, knows how to assess the instructional environment to determine how best to meet a student’s individual needs; 4E) an structured and organized classroom provides an environment where students learn and engage positively.

Description of what I learned: Throughout student teaching, I learned the importance of setting rules and expectations from day one and having an organized classroom that creates healthy and positive learning environments. I had the opportunity to visit different classrooms, and I learned how the setting is crucial and has to be developed according to their needs.