Domain II: The Classroom Environment

Teachers who excel consider each student individually‐‐the student’s own interests, concerns, and intellectual potential. The components in this domain consist of many noninstructional interactions that occur in the classroom such as:

2a: Creating an Environment of Respect and Rapport

  • interacts positively with all students from an anti‐biased perspective

  • demonstrates genuine concern and respect for all students

  • establishes and maintains appropriate rapport with students as individuals

  • encourages responses and interactions that foster positive relationships among students

  • establishes an environment of respect that values individual differences among students


2b: Establishing a Culture for Learning

  • establishes high expectations for individuals of varying abilities

  • cultivates student interest in the content and makes it relevant to the learner

  • models the importance of cognitive, affective, and psychomotor learning

2c: Managing Classroom Procedures

  • manages and selects instructional groups that reflect diversity

  • creates smooth instructional transitions

  • establishes an environment that fosters student responsibility

  • uses efficient routines for handling materials and supplies

  • uses effective strategies for managing non‐instructional duties

  • supervises and collaborates with volunteers and paraprofessionals in an equitable manner

2d: Managing Student Behavior

  • observes, monitors and records relevant student behaviors

  • creates and applies realistic standards of conduct for all students

  • documents the interactions of diverse instructional groups to maximize productivity

  • responds effectively and sensitively to individual student behavior

  • works with all students to encourage positive behavior choices

  • encourages and aids in the positive development of students’ self‐discipline

2e: Organizing Physical Space

  • creates and maintains a physical environment that is safe for all students

  • develops functional arrangements conducive to learning for all students

  • arranges space so all students have access to positive learning