Quality Standard 2

 

Teachers establish a safe, inclusive and respectful learning environment for a diverse population of students.

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ELEMENT A: Teachers foster a predictable learning environment characterized by acceptable student behavior and efficient use of time in which each student has a positive, nurturing relationship with caring adults and peers.​

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When students have expectations of behavior that has been established at the beginning of the term, it fosters a nurturing environment.  Some students may not have fostering caretakers that create a safe environment so I take it as a personal goal to express that my classroom safe and predictable.

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Creating visual aids of expectation for using materials is key.  Making signs and visual aids that are posted around the classroom to refer to is a great way to keep students aware of the expectations. 

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ELEMENT B: Teachers demonstrate an awareness of, a commitment to, and a respect for multiple aspects of diversity, while working toward common goals as a community of learners.​

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I like to refer to creating art as an individual experience and by using TAB I am able to encourage students to make choices.  I taught a 2nd grade lesson that encouraged this concept.  We read a book called Giraffes Can't Dance that ended with the moral being it's ok to be different.  This is how I introduced the concept of abstract art.  I encouraged students to paint their giraffes any color they chose.  I emphasized that everyone's giraffe should be an individual.

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ELEMENT C: Teachers engage students as individuals, including those with diverse needs and interests, across a range of ability levels by adapting their teaching for the benefit of all students. ​

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I can relate this element to a lesson called Kandinsky Color Study.  Students were encouraged to experiment with making concentric shapes with a variety of materials.  The expectation was uniqueness and exploration.

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ELEMENT D: Teachers work with families and/or significant adults in the lives of their students.​

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I participated in afterschool duty with my mentor teacher at Bacon.  I was able to interact with parents when they were waiting for their kiddos to leave the building.  When one of my kindergarteners came out to meet his Mom I commented about his abilities.  He excelled in class and his lion made from shapes was great.  She said he was so excited about his lion and couldn't wait to bring it home.  It was a small but beautiful moment.

 

I was able to participate in parent teacher conferences at Rocky.  My mentor teacher let me take the lead.  We had 5 virtual minutes with each parent and I made sure I was prepared to discuss each students work and progress.  This was an experience that I cannot wait to repeat.   

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