Classroom Management Procedures

Stefani Walker

University of Houston
 Educational Philosophy

As a future educator, my duty for my students is to ensure they are equipped with the necessary
tools to be active citizens in their community and to inspire life-long learners. Every student that
enters my classroom door deserves to have their potential seen along with having their strengths
used to the fullest. Wherever my students come from, they will walk in the class knowing they
are appreciated for being an individual, while still being treated with the same amount of dignity
as their peers. Just as my students are learning in class, I too will continuously seek
improvement to advance my skills as a teacher. I want to learn from my students never
forgetting that their youth does not invalidate their brilliance. The best lessons I can give my
students do not lie solely in academics rather, they base in morality with their social and
emotional skills. Leading by example, I will demand excellence without being demeaning of
their character.

I envision a classroom that is centered around my students’ unique learning styles. I seek to
offer real-life experiences while maintaining to teach to the Texas state standards. Knowing that
these students come in with diverse backgrounds and interests, I will keep them engaged by
creating connections geared towards those characteristics. In order to work with who my
students are, their attention will be kept with enriching activities that vary, keeping them excited
for what is to come next. Students who are actively learning and taking leadership creates
critical thinkers who are motivated by their personal desire to learn. The goal is not to please the
teacher but rather from their own intrinsic drive to grow as a student.

In order for my students to fully succeed, it is critical on my part to foster open lines of
communication not only with students and their parents. Any feedback given will be done
ensuring that critiques are focused on any progress along with evaluation that will be helpful for
further growth. Reflective practice is essential for myself as the teacher as well as my students to
truly advance as learners. With this, mistakes will be encouraged as there will be no time left
unused for an unexpected teachable moment. I will not be seen as the all-knowing force in the
room where there only correct answer is mine. Serving as the facilitator for learning, the
students are urged to explore in their thinking before any instruction is given.

The basis for my classroom is founded upon a genuine interest in the student. Respect while
fostering concern for their needs sets the path for any child’s desire to achieve. Bridging their
learning to the ways of their fast-changing world promotes solving the types of problems they
will face outside the classroom. The environment in which the learning takes place will be a
combined effort of the students and teacher. I will hold myself up to the same basic moral
standards that I require from my students. The best qualities of my students are what I intend to
concentrate on. Our classroom will be a safe place that fosters a love for learning, creativity, and
an appreciation for each other.

Classroom Blueprint
 Classroom Norms

How a classroom is structured will set the tone for the rest of the school year. These

norms will vary from class to class depending on the group of students you encounter. Each

student will have their own unique needs that call for different procedures. Though, the overall

atmosphere should be largely decided and agreed upon by the new set of students. Rather than

directing the students to follow through on predetermined rules created by the teacher, the

students input should be valued and used to create broad moral and academic systems.

This is one of the first steps into the students taking on responsibility for their own learning

while respecting their peers. It is also important to set these expectations at the beginning of the

year and are followed through during its entirety. Asking the students what they believe a

successful classroom looks like will be the key component to jumpstart this process. Every idea

will be acknowledged, silly or not, so that they know their contribution does matter. The end

result typically should hold ideas such as respect or kindness. Limiting to about 5-6 basic

concepts, a social contract has been successfully constructed. Emphasizing the idea that this is

‘our classroom’ will enforce the students to become self-regulated, assigning themselves as a

citizen and not a tourist in the class.

The ideas are best created first in a Google Doc or on a white board so they can be easily edited

and then transferred as a physical copy that is proudly exhibited in the class. After the final copy

has been decided, this version will be displayed on the classroom website. It will be noted that

these norms have been created by the students and are expected to follow through on. Keeping
this routine will require that the teacher constantly refer to the items as needed so the students

will take on the same obligation.

Classroom Procedures

The procedures for the day will rely on having expectations set on the first day of class.

Within the procedures, students contribute to these processes with their classroom jobs. For

example, at the beginning of the day the student in charge of materials would pass out what is

needed for the lesson. Those who are the trash collectors must ensure that the floors are clean by

the end of the day. Delegating jobs will not only lessen the load off the teacher, but show the

students the importance their role is to keep things running efficiently.

Many tasks such as sitting on the carpet, will need to be modeled and explained step by step.

This includes being called on by group number, walking over slowly and quietly, and sitting

down in a comfortable position while being a good listener. If students need to bring any

materials to the carpet, they will be instructed to do so before sitting down. Setting the

expectation before giving out specific instruction would be key to transition times running

smoothly.

Providing the students with an agenda for the day will give them the opportunity to settle

into a routine.

What to do when you are done- read

Getting ready to go home, call by desk number- delegate jobs

Someone put chairs up, pick up trash

Differentiation for Special Populations

Testing done at beginning of year

Create groups

Set expectations from all students no matter what level

ESL- gesturing, modeling, visual aids

Sentence stems

Flexible seating- ADHD

Letting them work comfortably

Guided reading groups- flexible seating

IEP- individualized education program

Accommodations- IEP, longer wait times, extra turn in work time, peer work (pairing low with

the higher level), re teaching in small groups

Visual aids, videos, realia

Student Roles in Classroom Management

The foundation for classroom management relies on the accountability of the students. It

is beneficial to create classroom jobs. The goal is for students to be actively participating not

only in their learning but the classroom environment. Not only are they being held to a high

standard for carrying out their duties but they learn that no task is too little or too small for

anyone. An underlying lesson of this is that every role contributes something to the classroom
running smoothly. It is important to me as an educator for them to leave my classroom having a

different perspective on those in positions with or without power.

Jobs- select the first jobs, rotate jobs, ensure every student has had opportunity to do next job,