Teacher Bill of Rights

- A list of ten promises made to students that will better ensure engagement, a culture for
learning, and respect and rapport in the classroom

1. I will, first and foremost, get to know all of my students and pay attention to who you are.
I will be respectful and appreciative of each unique quality you have and will celebrate
everything you bring to the table.
2. I promise to never stop learning myself. I’m expecting you to learn from me, but I want
to learn from you as well.
3. I stand by the belief that school should not suck. I’ve always enjoyed school as a kid and
if you are feeling that your schooling experience ‘sucks,’ please tell me. I will open up a
line of communication with my students where I am accepting constructive criticism or
suggestions to make your schooling experience a little better.
4. I promise to give you 100% effort 100% of the time. If you need help, please ask; I’ll be
there for you.
5. In every lesson I teach, I will be sure that the subject matter is culturally, socially or
politically relevant. Each lesson will be valuable to your own personal development and
could be utilized outside of these four walls.
6. I am not a fan of busy work. I promise that I will not assign any work that I feel is ‘busy
work,’ but instead promote assignments that make you think, consider, and question your
environment and your place in the world.
7. I promise to provide a safe and accepting environment to allow you and your classmates
the security to develop ideas and interpret the world judgement-free.
8. I promise to be open to shifting gears in class if I feel that students are not engaged in
conversation.
9. I promise to keep open communication with you and your parents. Whether it may be
something as simple as your class progress and due dates or complex subjects discussed
in class, you can expect complete transparency.
10. I promise to always be passionate about what I teach.