The Classroom

My management does not come from an educational theory or philosophy; it comes from a personal philosophy that is known for the most part worldwide. This theory is called, the golden rule, the center of classroom management to me is respect and work ethic. The role of the student in my classroom is to put forth effort. I write in all the directions on all instructions and worksheets that the only wrong answer is one not given. I tell them on their first day of class that the only two rules I have are to be nice and work hard. These are their responsibilities just as their education is their job. I think my role as a teacher is to be the enforcer of rules, the role model or guide through the class and the safe haven for students that need this. As the teacher I am also responsible for leveling the playing field so every student is receiving the same content on a level that challenges them enough to make them strive for better. While there are not very specific rules in the classroom there are broad ones that encompass respect and rapport in the classroom towards other students, teachers or staff and one’s self in the class. This respect and rapport will be maintained by establishing routine and structure throughout the classroom. I build rapport with students through getting to know them; I am a very observant person naturally and I take to students that seem like they need extra support. I build personal connections and they grow to trust me. I also think the way towards rapport with students is to have high expectations for all students and increase the rigor while holding everyone to high standards and provide individual support for any student that needs assistance meeting those standards or that needs to be challenged more. Making accommodations to differentiate for a better learning experience for each student is a big person goal. 

As for establishing the routine and structure, I hope to instill the task or routine of warm up activities. I think warm-up activities are great to help students get into the mindset of the class and moves their thinking from possible drama in the halls to class time. I would like to have a table or counter space called a student center where students will find all supplies needed for my class that day. As they walk in they take supplies and as they walk out they turn in supplies and work. As a family and consumer science teacher I want to try to do the nutrition and cooking units last in the class. I think this is important because other subjects like finances, sewing and textiles, interior design, and comprehensive skills like advertising, communication, and relationships are important. I feel like if I do these subjects first then the cooking unit is more of an award for getting through the bulk of the class. 

In family and consumer sciences there are many group occasions and for many topics groups are ideal. So for the first day of class students will get placed in random groups. After getting to know the class students will be grouped based on ability, social group, participation, behaviors and accommodation needs.  This will be important so that I know where to focus my movement and help throughout the room when I am wandering during class. I think being aware of where each student stands and putting them with the students that can help them stand taller is important for growth in the class.


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Volunteers

As for volunteers and additional staff in my classroom they will greeted at the door with students. When possible or as needed I will explain to them what is expected of the students that they are helping. This is important for the student so they are on task and being helped in the ways deemed fit for them but also important for the volunteers and para-professionals, so they know how they can best assist the students.
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As for my rules for every human being that steps in my room they are be nice and work hard. These two rules are important because they encompass respect and self-respect. These are two important principles for students or just teenagers in general. Working hard is important for self-respect; if a student puts forth the effort and they see results than they will have the pleasure of feeling a sense of accomplishment. 21st century skills such as self-efficiency, collaboration and time management are all important for students to build self-respect. General school handbooks rules of course apply.  No gum in sewing or kitchen labs is also a rule because the equipment in sewing and the food in kitchen labs do not need gum in it. I will teach these rules through a disclosure document that will sent home to parents and signed by parents and students. When I give the students the disclosure page I will read through it with the class. Students will not participate in lab work till they and a parent have signed a disclosure document. 

Behavior

​The hierarchy of consequences in my classroom will be set on the first day of class.The first consequence is a verbal warning. Warning number two, I will come around and have the student sign an accountability log. They sign the log showing that they understand that they broke the rules. If a student’s name is on the log more than twice a week it is an automatic detention during lunch or after school. The 3rd warning is no longer a warning it will be detention with me during lunch or after school, loss of labs or a call home. After four strikes in one day a student will serve detention, I will call home with them, they will lose a lab, and if need be the principal will have a conversation with this student. Students with behavior plans will be held to them on all levels and will receive appropriate consequences in my class as well as the consequences suggested by their case manager.