1. Self-Reflection:

Before I can even attempt to teach effectively, I need to reflect on myself and my pedagogy. This way I can include the best instructional practices I can as well and present my best self to my students.  

2. Collaborate

Collaboration is important with students and other teachers. Part of this is accomplished in PLC but there also needs to be efforts to reach out to teachers and mentors and gain perspective when needed instead of thinking that there is no one to help. Also checking in with students academically and emotionally is also important, and students can have some autonomy in their learning.

3. Inclusive Classroom Culture

There is a consistent attempt to include students and to not tolerate any social exclusion or bullying. Students are expected to be respectful of themselves and others and let mistakes teach them- not shame them.

4. Culturally Responsive Curriculum

Students each come to class with their own cultures from their family and community. These deserve to be recognized and included. I attempt to develop lessons that avoid bias and include positive representations of my student’s cultures and other cultures.  I also aim to bridge students’ cultures to our class culture. Students are also taught curriculum that serve as windows and mirrors. Reading, for example, can then be self-affirming but also allows the chance for students to learn and understand about other perspectives. I want students to learn and practice how to empathize, connect, and collaborate.

5. Person-First Language

Students are never put into a box based on any of their identifies or qualities or abilities. I use person-first language but also talk according to the preferences of my students.

6. Context & Coherent Curriculum

Curriculum is based on backwards design and differentiation. There are always essential questions and clear objectives. Lessons are not taught in isolation with no context or do not connect to a larger idea. I also want the lessons to be relevant in their lives.

7. Conflict Resolution

If there is a conflict in class that is repeated and needs to be addressed more in full, a restorative circle can be given to discuss and solve the issue. Day to day, if there is a conflict, it is not pushed under the rug. Even though resolution may not happen in front of the class, students are still held accountable for their words and actions and have a chance to apologize, understand, and move on.

8. Small Groups

Students will be in small groups numerous times throughout the year. Students will be in small groups sometimes based on diagnostic or formative assessments and sometimes randomly. The goal is for students to have many chances to talk with students and learn from each other, as well as collaborate and discuss a variety of topics and learn how to interact with people with different opinions.

9. Check-Ins

I use exit slips, conferences, Google Forms, etc to check-in with students not only academically but to see how they are feeling in class and if there are any concerns they would like to share with me. I can also use this time to share my thoughts with them and work with them on an individual level.