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 demonstrates Illinois Professional Teaching Standard 4N, ") engages students in and monitors individual and group-learning activities that help them develop the motivation to learn;". This artifact is representative of this standard because of the use that the Hopes and Dreams Poster was for, was to motivate students. They were encouraged to imagine where they would like to be 5 years from now and had to list 1-3 goals that would possibly help them get to where they want to be in those 5 years. Additionally, this poster was left to be hung up on the wall so that each student could return to it when they were feeling the need for that motivation and encouragement. This activity gave them the opportunity to look at school from another perspective. This activity was not only engaging for them, but many had left the room feeling excited, happy, and encouraged. Having it remain for them to return to was amazing because they had returned refreshed and eager to learn. 

This artifact is an image that I captured of the classroom library. The library is utilized for not only reading, but also a calming corner where students who needed to work independently were able to have space and less distraction. Within the library, there is warm lighting that can be utilized instead of the bright overhead lights that a classroom typically has. Additionally,  "Good Words" being on the way were inspiring quotes that encourage reading and display why reading can be so rewarding. This image demonstrates Illinois Professional Teaching Standard 4I, "creates a safe and healthy environment that maximizes student learning;" for this reason.