What is your classroom look like?
My classroom environment will create a sense of community, with each student being a contributing member of that community. Each student will be created as they enter the classroom. It is necessary for an effective teacher to build a relationship with their students. Getting to know each individual student is important to me as I prepare lessons and assessments. I believe in setting high expectations for my students. Each student will be given the necessary tools to succeed in my class.
As a FCS teacher, my goal is to prepare students for the future as they enter adulthood. One way I plan to prepare them is to implement an "Employability Skills" grade each day. The Employability Skills will focus on 5 areas that students are observed on: attendance, preparedness, participation, compliance with school/classroom policy and behavior. Students are given 5 points each day if they successfully fulfill each of those areas.
What is your definition of a professional teacher?
A professional teacher takes his/her job seriously. They focus on maintaining a neat, clean appearance, making sure their dress is appropriate for the classroom setting. A professional teacher also realizes there is a fine line between being the student's role model and encourager and becoming a "friend" to the student. Students need a positive role model in their teacher, one who holds them accountable both inside and outside the classroom. A teacher never quits learning, continuing education is important to stay up with the latest trends and techniques in the education world.
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A professional teacher also builds a good rapport with colleagues and administrators. Your biggest supporters come from administrators and other teachers. These relationships should be fostered in order for a teacher to succeed within a district. Team work and a sense of community is a necessary must within a school building.
How will you communicate with parents of your students?
Open communication with parents is necessary in order for you to give your students the best opportunity to succeed. At the beginning of the year, I will provide my email, school phone number and my plan time to both students and teachers. I will also have a classroom website that will provide each week's learning objectives and assignments that are coming up. I believe communication is key to preventing a lot of misunderstandings in the classroom. I also believe in contacting parents when I start to see their students' behavior or classroom work slip, not to wait until grade cards are released.
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I plan to publicize my students' work and activities on social media accounts that are for the sole purpose of promoting my FCS Classroom and FCCLA. I also will submit photos and descriptions to our local newspapers. Keeping the public, parents, school board members, and administration aware of student involvement in our local community is important.
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