P R O F E S S I O N A L I S M

Through my teaching experience, I hope to inspire students with my leadership and demonstrate professionalism as I conduct myself within the classroom and school. In my efforts to lead the classroom, I establish a behavioral management system with the classroom golden rule:

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If what you are doing interferes with learning, hurts someone's heart, or prevents you from being your best self, you need to make a better choice.

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The wide application of this rule is applied by students as they define their classroom contracts and sign off on them as a class. I model these behaviors within the classroom and attempt to bring my best self to the classroom every day. As a teacher, I believe my best self to be one who understands student backgrounds, behavioral motivations, and focuses on building relationships within each instructional block.

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I lead the classroom with an approachable attitude and sense of humor while facilitating student focus on the tasks at hand. I acknowledge the benefits of discussing student interests and lives while balancing instructional time, connecting the two where I am able to provide a sense of relevance for students. I model poise through confidence and composure regardless of student behavior, and when I misstep, I model the act of apologizing and demonstrating my sense of humanity. I find this approach allows my students to feel secure in their own missteps and communicates the ability to make mistakes in a space that champions their growth as students.

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I illustrate maturity through the ability to field student questions regarding why they feel they must complete specific assignments, a question that I've found others to deem disrespectful. I take the time to explain the explicit standard attached to the assignment, referring to the posted student learning objectives in the classroom. This provides direct relevancy for the student and eliminates emotional mismanagement while refocusing students on their required work.

 

I demonstrate sound judgment through my evaluation of student behaviors as well as through facilitating classwide student discussions. When students participate in classwide student discussions, I demonstrate sound judgment as I lead students in analyzing texts, discussing writing prompt responses, and providing constructive feedback to classmates on their writing. I redirect students when they diverge from topics too disconnected from the specific discussion, and note when students provide insightful contributions to the discussion. I manage student behaviors utilizing sound judgment, and apply consequences where needed to address student emotional management. This includes highlighting positive student behaviors through student shout-outs as well as applying discipline where necessary.​​

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It is through these methods that I am learning to create a sense of professionalism within the classroom as I aim to grow as a teacher and connect with my students.