Philosophy of Classroom Management

As a teacher, providing a safe, comfortable, and well structure classroom environment are the most important factors for monitoring student behavior.  The classroom motto is: “Work smarter not harder”. Because every student is capable of learning, students are held to high standards. In this statement, I will describe my strategies for establishing and maintaining a well-managed environment to maximize learning opportunities.  My strategies are highly influenced by Coloroso and Kagan and Smith.

In order to help all students feel welcome and comfortable, I get to know their names and have conversations to get to know their interests. Furthermore, all assignments provide personable feedback from me to ensure students are aware of their status in class. Though this, students learn how to professionally communicate and take responsibility for their learning and success. Through my warmth and easy to communicate personality all students are treated equitably and know they are cared for and listened to (Coloroso, Six critical life message).

            To make the room motivating and visually appealing, I decorate it with math materials (formulas, equations, and theories), as well as examples of student work.  At the same time, to minimize student distraction, these stimuli are positioned on sides or in the back of the room. I use warm colors to help students feel relaxed and stress-free with learning math, at the same time creates a fun and engaging classroom where students enjoy coming to.

I communicate my rules and expectations clearly and directly at the beginning of the school year. Before students and parents sign the contract, as a class we go over the rules and expectations and have a conversation on what to add or edit. This is an example of Kagen strategy (Win- Win), letting students know they a care for, and their opinion matters. In addition, I have an open- door policy and free access to communication with me through email, google phone and remind app. Rules and expectations are in place to create a safe, positive work environment where students maximize their work ethics in a group setting.

My philosophy of student discipline is one that is a systematic approach designed to support teaching personal responsibility.  Classroom management, student motivation, and positive reinforcement generate an atmosphere where rules and expectations are viewed as guidelines for academic success.

            To minimize confusion, daily objectives and assignments are posted on the board and are available online through Google Classroom. In order for the class to run smoothly, daily routines and procedures are implemented to maximize instructional time. According to an article, “ Maximizing the Efficiency and Structure of Your Classroom,”   “Procedures and routines create a classroom environment where everyone understands which student behaviors are appropriate and what teacher responses are expected in every situation.” (Maximizing the Efficiency and Structure of Your Classroom, page 2. Retrieved from:http://teachingasleadership.org/sites/default/files/RelatedReadings/CMC_Ch3_2011.pdf). To prevent students from becoming bored, differentiated lesson plans are presented. Each student is able to work at their own pace, and encouraged to extend their learning through essential questions, group activities, and individual practices.

Just like math, it is important for students to learn how to solve problems. Preparing students for the real world to critically think is essential to learn in a classroom environment. In conclusion, creating a safe, comfortable well-organized classroom, helps prevent distracting events and behavioral issues. Students are able to openly communicate academically and learn. Building relationships with students, help students understand and appreciate me as a professional in which they are not wanting to disappoint me. It is the level of respect we both have, as well a communication lifeline with parents through reminds app that helps students show self- control in the classroom.