Rebecca J White
Respect Self, Respect Others, Respect Property
The rules in a classroom should be expressed as generalizations that can be applied to every interaction. Class rules should parallel the laws that govern our communities and the social expectations that will prepare students for success in adulthood. I aim to construct a democratic class code that establishes parameters for behaviors which safeguard mutual respect and protection of health, safety and property. Students should use their own judgment to determine the details of what they need to do to maintain appropriate behavior within these guidelines. Curriculum-related regulations will be part of the syllabus, not intertwined with rules for behavior. The school will also have rules that all students must abide by, so the code of the classroom need only be general, to create an atmosphere of independent responsibility. If the class regulations are broad enough, then students will develop and exercise their own reasoning in self-governance. I plan to post and enforce the following rules in my classroom:
The rules in a classroom should be expressed as generalizations that can be applied to every interaction. Class rules should parallel the laws that govern our communities and the social expectations that will prepare students for success in adulthood. I aim to construct a democratic class code that establishes parameters for behaviors which safeguard mutual respect and protection of health, safety and property. Students should use their own judgment to determine the details of what they need to do to maintain appropriate behavior within these guidelines. Curriculum-related regulations will be part of the syllabus, not intertwined with rules for behavior. The school will also have rules that all students must abide by, so the code of the classroom need only be general, to create an atmosphere of independent responsibility. If the class regulations are broad enough, then students will develop and exercise their own reasoning in self-governance. I plan to post and enforce the following rules in my classroom:
As a class, we’ll talk together about how to observe these guidelines with discussions prompted by questions such as “What do you think it means to respect oneself?” and “How can we demonstrate respect to others in the classroom?” Throughout the year, I’ll refer to these general rules to discuss specific issues, as needed.
Inside and outside of the classroom, I’ll model the respect that I hope to nurture in my students. Beyond teaching academic content and skills, I am available to my students to listen, offer guidance, or direct them toward resources. In these ways, I’ll be a mentor and a strong, positive role model. I strongly believe that teens who have nurturing, mentoring relationships are more prepared to continue their education beyond high school, take on leadership roles, and become self-sufficient later in life. Every young person can benefit from the mentoring of a compassionate adult. I expect that my respect for the young people in my classroom will be evident to them, as well, in the way that I talk with and listen to them. Furthermore, I hope that my attitude will cultivate respectful communications between everyone in the classroom.
Inside and outside of the classroom, I’ll model the respect that I hope to nurture in my students. Beyond teaching academic content and skills, I am available to my students to listen, offer guidance, or direct them toward resources. In these ways, I’ll be a mentor and a strong, positive role model. I strongly believe that teens who have nurturing, mentoring relationships are more prepared to continue their education beyond high school, take on leadership roles, and become self-sufficient later in life. Every young person can benefit from the mentoring of a compassionate adult. I expect that my respect for the young people in my classroom will be evident to them, as well, in the way that I talk with and listen to them. Furthermore, I hope that my attitude will cultivate respectful communications between everyone in the classroom.