Ms.

Bouchard’s Frame of Reference

Building a frame of reference is an important part of our growth as we learn to become

teachers. A frame of reference includes our foundational values and hopes and helps us focus on
what’s in the best interest of the students. Teaching is a very complex profession, but I believe
that plays a part in making it so rewarding.

“One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.” –

Malala Yousafzai

Classroom Environment: A classroom is a community of learners, which the

teacher must set up to create an environment of acceptance, trust, compassion and fun. The
OECD’s research on the 7 Principles of Learning shows that emotions play a big role in the
achievement of students’ learning. I believe students should feel that school is a home away
from home. They should always feel safe and comfortable; this includes everything from making
sure they’re fed and warm, to feeling comfortable asking questions and making mistakes. I will
always do my best to be approachable to my students and allowing extra time to have regular
check-ins to make sure everyone is succeeding. The classroom should be organized and the
décor should reflect students’ learning. The Reggio Emilia Approach discusses the environment
as the third teacher; an environment filled with natural light, order and beauty, free from clutter
and where every material is considered for its purpose.
“I never teach my pupils, I only attempt to provide the conditions in which

they can learn – George Dei

Relationships: In my opinion, building strong relationships with the students is

more important than teaching any content in the curriculum. Without secure and trusting
relationships, classroom management and learning will not go well. It’s important for me to
know my students on a personal level and also as a group. Shelley Moore discusses how looking
at the class as a whole and not only as individual students is key to an inclusive classroom,
because students need to be in a learning community. Knowing my students will allow me to
plan engaging lessons that connects to student interests and it will also allow me to differentiate
my instruction to meet the needs of every student.

Building strong relationships extend further than just with our students, but also with
their parents and guardians. Having positive communications with parents and guardians
builds trust and allows for understanding if negative or hard communications ever have to be
made. It also allows for them to know what their child is learning at school and how they can
support their learning at home. I believe building these relationships benefit the student, parent
and teacher. I will do this by sending home newsletters, communicating through email and
phone, conferences, and possibly with programs such as FreshGrade. Parents and guardians
may also be great resources to bring into the classroom to help volunteer or to present their
profession or hobby. They may also have ties with the community to help create opportunities
for student learning.

Colleagues are an indispensable resource in teaching. I see colleagues as teammates,

collaborators and partners in the teaching world. Building strong relationships with them can
help us greatly when it comes to improving our practice and becoming more effective teachers.
Teachers teaching similar grade levels can also join forces when planning units or field trips.

“Inclusion is not bringing people into what already exists; it is making a

new space, a better space for everyone.” – George Dei

 Organization & Management: I believe it’s important to be organized and to
have good class management to run an effective classroom. Without these things, it would not
take long for the classroom to become chaotic. Many students thrive with a well-organized day
plan and classroom. The OECD states “the learning environment needs to be very clear about
what is expected, what learners are doing, and why.” Being organized and having good
management skills are also key for smooth transitions. Smooth transitions are important to
keeping students on track and essential for many students with special needs. I will
demonstrate this by having a tentative year plan, always having my week planned ahead and
having extra ideas/back up plans for when things change and we have to be flexible. I will
establish a strong relationship with my class and set my expectations for them early on, in hopes
that things run as smoothly as possible.

“A good teacher can inspire, hope, ignite the imagination,

and instill a love of learning” –Brad Henry

Assessment: I consider both formative and summative assessment to be important,

but formative assessment is so critical for students to become proactive in their learning.
Formative assessment is ongoing and is a perfect way to check for understanding. It not only
helps the students to become successful, but also the teacher. It’s a way for us to see how the
lesson/unit is going and to review, change, or re-teach material if needed. According to Hattie’s
research stated in Visible Learning, providing feedback and formative evaluation are very

important. I will do this by having multiple ways of assessing, such as exit questions, 1 on 1
check-ins and group check-ins, checklists for students, watch/look/listen and more.

“A teacher who loves learning earns the right and the ability to help others

learn.” – Ruth Beechick

 Knowing our Impact: We are not only professionals in the community, but also
one of the main adults in our students lives. We should always be aware of our position and
respect it by being role models to our students. It means staying current in our practice and also
with our classroom. Attending workshops, Pro-D days and current literature are just a few ways
I’ll stay current and improve my teaching practice. Incorporating current learning practices,
such as the First People’s Principle of Learning is essential for student growth and development.
I find the First People’s Principles of Learning closely connect to the Core Competencies, in that
they encourage students learning about identity, connectedness, and relationships, all of which I
find to be significant. Finding out what my students already know, showing them what success
looks like and always setting them up for achievement are some ways I’ll help them to flourish
and succeed. My goal for my students is for them to find a passion and love for learning.

“Good teachers know how to bring out the best in students” –Charles Kuralt