Learning Environment

Performance*Area*D:*Learning*EnvironmentStandard'D1'9'Mutual'Respect'is'evident'through'

interac=ons'between'students'and'teacherBenchmarks!that!a!teacher!has!successfully!met!this!standard:1. Teacher!models!and!encourages!appropriate!language2. Teacher!encourages!and!supports!the!strengths!of!all!students3. Teacher!models!and!promotes!fairness,!equity!and!respect4. Teacher!establishes!a!classroom!environment!that!empowers!students!to!take!intellectual!risks5. Teacher!embraces!the!cultural!diversity!and!individuality!of!students

Defined Class Norms to Promote Mutual Respect

I ask my students to write their own norms for behavior and conduct. I also ask them to define what role I will have in their education as their teacher. These norms promote a climate of mutual respect.

Standard'D2'9'Teacher'and'students'demonstrate'a'posi=ve'disposi=on'toward'learning

Benchmarks!that!a!teacher!has!successfully!met!this!standard:1. Teacher!models!and!encourages!suppor?ve!and!posi?ve!language2. Students!are!engaged3. Teacher!fosters!student!enthusiasm!for!and!curiosity!about!the!discipline4. Teacher!establishes!a!collabora?ve!environment

Unit of Study Culminating Celebrations

These events cultivate and promote a positive culture around learning. They enable students to share their work and celebrate success. Parents and the school community can also support student learning through these events.

Standard'D4'9'Teacher'establishes'an'effec=ve'physical'environment

Benchmarks!that!a!teacher!has!successfully!met!this!standard:1. Teacher!creates!a!learning!environment!that!is!safe,!func?onal,!and!invi?ng2. Teacher!ensures!materials!are!accessible3. Teacher!creates!an!environment!that!promotes!student!learning!and!ac?ve!student!engagement

A clutter free and stimulating classroom environment is essential for learning. Upon arriving at SAS, I reorganized the classroom I was given and eliminated 35% of the unneeded furniture in the room. This opened up the space for collaboration and other activities. A space can often define how productive and positive kids can be. Having a physically organized space helps students to focus on learning objectives.