As a teacher, I believe in providing a safe, comfortable classroom environment and maximizing opportunities for student learning. These are the most important factors in governing student behavior. I believe in making every mistake a learning opportunity. I believe a well-managed classroom creates a comfortable, safe place where students want to learn. It also prevents distracting events and behavioral issues, which allows for more quality instructional and learning time. I believe in creating clear classroom rules and expectations. "Students need to know their learning target- the specific skill they're supposed to learn- or else "feedback" is just someone telling them what to do.- Susan Brookhart p. 24 I believe in using supportive, effective, and developmentally appropriate classroom management techniques. To do this, I believe in implementing Conscious Discipline. Conscious discipline has us "direct our attention in order to set and achieve goals despite distractions, regulate our emotions and inhibit impulsive behavior, hold information in our heads, self monitor and reflect, and develop empathy and then problem solve. I do my absolute best to treat all students equitably and interact and communicate with them in ways to make them feel cared for, listened to, and respected. My efforts to respond to all student questions and to remain patient and calm contribute to my comforting, welcoming classroom environment. "If students know the classroom is a safe place to make mistakes, they are more likely to use feedback for learning." Dylan William, p.30 Sources: Bailey, B. A. (2001). Conscious discipline. Oviedo, FL: Conscious Discipline. The collective wisdom of authors published in the September 2012 issue of Educational Leadership; "Feedback for Learning." (Volume 70, Issue 1)