Exceptional teachers foster a safe, positive, and respectful learning environment by implementing rules and procedures, setting high expectations, and engaging students in learning. Teachers, staff, administrators, students, and parents collaborate and create a school environment and culture that is conducive to learning.
Rules and Procedures
Positive learning environments maximize instruction and minimize disruptions. This begins with an effective set of classroom rules and procedures. Through rules and procedures, teachers establish high expectations at the beginning of the year. When I began student teaching, I established a new attendance procedure. Students grabbed their attendance sticks as they walked into the classroom. When the bell rang, I collected the remaining attendance sticks and marked those students absent. This was an efficient way to maximize instructional time. I did not have to look for students or call their names out at the beginning of each class.
Rapport with Students
A successful learning environment occurs when teachers develop and maintain rapport with students. Every student is unique, and I respect and value student diversity. I strive to establish positive and healthy relationships with my students. I love to teach them, but I also cherish what they teach me. In my exit survey, one student said: “I like how she gets all of us engaged and makes sure that everyone understands what we are doing. I also like how she provides a welcoming and friendly environment and makes it easy for us to talk to her.”
Group Work
Group work also creates a positive learning environment. It allows students to socialize and develop skills of compromise and collaboration. Ultimately, group work teaches students to respect others while achieving learning goals.
“Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.”
–Albert Einstein