School Year 2013-2014: Creating a Path to Good Work

Classroom Design 2013-2014

The forest of potential and possibility in education is dense, but the promise of good work lies in clearing a path towards potent professional practice.

As a classroom teacher that path consists of the following elements.

• Know your role.  The role of the classroom teacher is to do everything possible to thoughtfully teach the children within his/her charge.

• Map the curriculum in general and with regard to specific initiatives.

• Create the Learning Environment: Set up the learning space with organization and care. 

• Organize the daily and weekly learning schedule and routines for the class in general and for individual children. 
  

• Create a communication system.

• Collaborate with colleagues to determine teaching targets and roles. 

• Create data charts to track service, scores, needs and more. 

• Research and study to gain a strong background knowledge and pedagogy for all teaching/learning goals.

• Plan the first lessons and units for initial days, weeks, and month. 

• Welcome colleagues, students and families to the learning environment, and introduce the curriculum, goals, schedule, and routines via face-to-face meetings, newsletters, and the class website.

• Know your students well, establish strong relationships, and continue down the path with respect and understanding towards targeted care and response to teach each child well. 

Plans for the first month of school.  I generally create the plans and teach each lesson as time permits. Double click image for larger display.