2A: Creating an environment of respect and rapport.

• Classroom interactions between teacher and students and among students are highly respectful, reflecting genuine warmth, caring, and sensitivity to students as individuals. Students exhibit respect for the teacher and contribute to high levels of civility among all members of the class. The net result is an environment where all students feel valued and are comfortable taking intellectual risks.

  • In my Master of Educational Technology program, I conducted research on promoting kindness in the classroom. Many of the techniques that I have included in the file below, I use in my daily classroom routine.

    • Promoting Kindness (Research Project from EDU 910: Ownership of Learning)

  • Below is a Haiku Deck that I show on the first day of school to introduce myself.​​

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2B: Establishing a culture for learning.

• The classroom culture is a cognitively busy place, characterized by a shared belief in the importance of learning. The teacher conveys high expectations for learning for all students and insists on hard work; students assume responsibility for high quality by initiating improvements, making revisions, adding detail, and/or assisting peers in their precise use of language.

  • Notes from Formal Observation (2/1/2021): Distinguished: "Not just applicable to your AP US class but I see you working to increase the standards for what Social Studies should be.  You've created expectations where students are engaged in the content and not just listening to a teacher lecture on dates/people/events.  I appreciate the efforts you put in to find supplemental resources, connect with other colleagues (both in and out of the building) and try new strategies and technology in order to support student learning.  It was evident that students took pride in preparing and delivering their presentations but also challenged the other groups by asking pertinent questions on the validity of their product. "​​

  • Notes from Formal Observation (5/21/2021): Distinguished: "It is evident that Miss Houston is passionate about the subjects she teaches and works to get students to have that same level of enthusiasm.  She presents her content in multiple ways that is more than just straight from the textbook.  She has established high expectations and challenges students to achieve their best but also provides needed supports for those students identified to struggle."

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2C: Managing classroom procedures.

• Instructional time is maximized due to efficient and seamless classroom routines and procedures. Students take initiative in the management of instructional groups and transitions, and/or the handling of materials and supplies. Routines are well understood and may be initiated by students.

  • Notes from a Walkthrough Observation (11/21/2019): "Miss Houston was working specifically with getting students organized through a binder notebook.  Students were keeping papers in order and continually updating their notebooks.  Again, this is so important for 7th grade students in developing habits and practices for organization.  Switching classes and having multiple teachers is a new concept and many 7th grade students struggle with organization; keeping a separate notebook for this class hopefully will teach them the skills they need moving forward to stay organized and be more successful in all classes not just yours."​

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2D: Managing student behavior.

• Student behavior is entirely appropriate. Students take an active role in monitoring their own behavior and/or that of other students against standards of conduct. Teacher monitoring of student behavior is subtle and preventive. The teacher’s response to student misbehavior is sensitive to individual student needs and respects students’ dignity.

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2E: Organizing physical space.

• The classroom environment is safe, and learning is accessible to all students, including those with special needs. The teacher makes effective use of physical resources, including computer technology. The teacher ensures that the physical arrangement is appropriate to the learning activities. Students contribute to the use or adaptation of the physical environment to advance learning.

  • Notes from Formal Observation (1/30/2020): Distinguished: "Miss Houston has made some changes to her classroom to make it a more welcoming space for students.  Regularly, her class can be seen working in groups, using technology and discussing."​