The Key Ingredient to the Classroom

The key ingredient in a the classroom is the teacher. The teacher will determine the behavior and learning environment that is created, which will have a direct impact on student behavior. When we look at managing student behavior we see that there are general rules and ideas for governing student behavior and effetely managing a classroom, but on the other hand there are a lot of situational factors that come into play.

    When I think about managing a classroom I think about how many of my high school classrooms were run, I think about the teachers that had built the rapport and had high expectations for their students and then I remember the classrooms where there was little respect for the teacher. As I prepare to student teach I think back to our first day of school lab, I think about what I asked, said, and did. I now have concluded that I want the first day to be a more open conversation of the expectations and procedures and less of me telling the students what I expect. This will allow students to feel that they have had a say in their classroom and its operation.

    When I think about parental interaction, I know that this will be a challenge as a student teacher. I have talked to first year teachers that have told me that parents do not trust them with their children, how will they place any trust in me as a student teacher. I know that I will have the backing of my cooperating teacher who is respected, but I want parents to be aware of my situation and have an understanding. I think that the best start to this would be a letter to all parents introducing myself and explaining my role for the next few months, but this is something I will have to discuss with my cooperating teacher first.

     Classroom management is something that I know will be a challenge, I know that I will have to figure out how to build rapport, gain respect, and still have a sense of humor. I do not think I will have a problem connecting with students, I know the value of this aspect and will strive to achieve these connections. I also know that my lack of familiarity with the subjects I will be teaching will increase this challenge, but I am prepared to try.

     Overall if I strive for the characteristics of effective teachers I will be on the right path for a positive well run classroom.