4. Learning Environment

I wrote the Classroom Behavior Management Plan in the Fall of 2021 for an Elementary Science Methods class. I took into consideration the classrooms that I have observed and the teachers’ classroom management procedures that I have seen. I have since started implementing some of these things into my classroom while student teaching. It contains many of the theories and considerations that I have made while thinking of my own classroom. The paper contains considerations such as the physical layout of my classroom, and the rules and procedures that I plan to implement in my classroom. It also includes things such as my classroom management philosophy, my teaching style, rules and expectations, and rewards and consequences.

Knowledge indicator 4A of the Illinois Professional Teaching Standards states that, “The competent teacher understands principles of and strategies for effective classroom and behavior management.” In this artifact, you will see that I am able to understand strategies for effective classroom and behavior management with competency and consideration for my future classroom and students. I understand that teachers draw from a large “toolbox” of strategies and that I will need many different strategies to draw from in order to have the most effective plan for my class and students

Through creating this artifact, I have strengthened my plan for managing behavior in the classroom. I have a more thought out and concrete plan to follow for the decisions that will come up and have come up while student teaching. Moving forward with having my own classroom, I can now be confident that the things I have thought out and planned in this paper can be implemented confidently so that my students can learn effectively in a structured learning environment.

This artifact contains Timothy Christians theology of discipline which was presented to teacher and discussed during a meeting that I attended when I was a student teacher there. The meeting agenda included talking about school-wide behavior management strategies. The artifact was projected as a reminder that the school’s theology of discipline is as follows and all teachers should adhere to the same theology when disciplinary measures need to occur. I was able to participate in discussions around this theology and how that may play out in different situations.

The artifact shows evidence of knowledge indicator 4F, which states that “The competent teacher understands laws, rules, and ethical considerations regarding behavior intervention planning and behavior management (e.g., bullying, crisis intervention, physical restraint)”. In this artifact, you will see Timothy Christian’s stance on discipline. Through this meeting, I was able to gain an understanding of the ethical considerations that are accounted for when behavior intervention occurs. Both participating and being present at this meeting shows my growth towards creating a healthy learning environment for all of my students.

Being a part of this meeting was very beneficial to me as an educator. It was great to be able to see the school as a whole be on the same page about discipline and what theology underlies those decisions. It was a great reminder that reconciliation is the goal just as we are called by Christ to reconcile all things. Knowling the theology that underlies the disciplinary measures that need to be taken, helps me as a teacher create a just learning environment for all students, leading with grace and bringing reconciliation.