Greensburg Salem Professional Reflection on Effective Teaching & Learning

Danielson Domain & Component: 2A: Creating an Environment of Respect and Rapport

Description of Artifact:

My “Rules and Reminders” Board

Justification for proficient or distinguished rating within Domain & Component:

I have worked hard to create a classroom of respect and rapport between both peers and
teachers. My “Rules and Reminders” board is one of the central spaces of my classroom. It is
located by the pencils, tissues, and erasers, so that students are reminded of the board any
time they leave their seats. As you can see from the picture, the rules and reminders fall within
typical requests of school-aged children, and ask students to take responsibility for both their
actions and their words. From day one, I have modeled for students how to appropriately
display each action on the rules and reminders board. In addition to modeling actions, I have
kept all interactions with students and fellow colleagues professional and respectful... because
watching eyes are everywhere. If a challenging situation in the classroom between two
students arises, and I see students begin to respond with anger and unkind words, I use a
calming redirection technique and help my students talk through the aggravating situation with
respect. I also take time to include spontaneous social skills teaching when opportunities arise.
For example, one day a student asked me the name of another student, to which I replied, “I’m
not sure, why don’t we go ask him?” I kneeled behind the “asking” student, and fed him
prompts to kindly say, “Hi, my name is D****, what is your name again?” It is our job to not
only shape our students academically, but socially as well, to ensure that once they enter into
the “real world” after graduation that they are fully prepared socially and emotionally, too.

Reflection on future growth within Domain & Component:

Looking to the future, I truly hope to continue to have a classroom full of respect between both
teachers and students. I have heard time and time again that if your students do not respect
you, they aren’t going to care about what you have to say. Therefore, I will continue to take
time to hear what my students have to say. To continue to ask about their weekends and show
interest in their lives outside of school. My “Rules and Reminders” board will stay consistently
in place, and I will continue to find spontaneous ways to encourage stronger social interactions
between my students.