Classroom  Management Plan

Greeting and Connecting with Students

I firmly believe in creating a comfortable, warm environment from the very first moment you walk into my classroom. To do this, I’ll be out in the hallway greeting you as you arrive—because let’s face it, school can be tough and sometimes you just need a friendly face to start your day. Inside, I’ll have some fun music playing to set the tone for the day and get you into a good headspace. I also love to share a bit of my own world with you, so expect to see some cool pictures or questions posted on the board to get you thinking about today’s lesson!

My First Words to You

Instead of a rigid script, I’ll introduce myself with a blend of personal stories and a little bit about why I’m so passionate about teaching. I want you to get to know me as a person—someone who’s here to guide and support you, not just lecture at you. Expect a slide that helps us break the ice and connect, with room for you to ask questions or share your thoughts.

Classroom Setup: A Place to Collaborate

I’ve always believed that learning works best when it’s collaborative. While desks in rows are the traditional setup, I’m going to shake things up a bit! At all times, students will sit in pairs to encourage discussion and engagement. Think of it as a way to keep conversations flowing and make sure we’re all working together to help each other out. Over time, I’ll let you have more freedom to choose where you sit, but to start the year off, seats will be assigned to help build a strong, respectful foundation.

Getting the Day Started

When the bell rings, I want you to jump into the day feeling energized, not stressed. I’ll have everything you need to know posted on the Smartboard: class objectives, any assignments due, and important reminders. But to make it more fun and engaging, I’ll often add something extra—maybe a thought-provoking question or a picture that connects to the lesson. Every day will start with something that hooks you in, whether it’s a creative prompt, a class discussion, or something to spark your imagination.

Fostering Respect and Avoiding Discipline

My classroom will be a space where respect is at the core of everything we do. I don’t believe in rigid rules or heavy discipline; I believe in teaching through procedures. Respecting one another, showing up on time, and completing assignments to the best of our ability is the foundation. That said, I understand that sometimes life happens, and I’ll always be there to offer support if you need it. You won’t ever feel like you're alone in this journey.

Rules, Consequences, and Reflection

The rules in my classroom are simple: communicate openly, be on time, and take responsibility for your work. If something goes awry—say, an assignment is late or you need extra help—we’ll figure it out together. I’ll always have an open door for you to communicate with me, and we’ll have regular check-ins to make sure you’re on track. If something happens that disrupts the class, I won’t jump to conclusions. I’ll always offer the chance for reflection and discuss ways to move forward.

Handling Behavior and Parent Communication

I don’t anticipate having to contact parents about behavioral issues because I want to create an environment of respect and understanding from the get-go. However, if it ever gets to a point where a student’s actions are disrupting the class or making others uncomfortable, I’ll address it calmly and professionally. Restorative practices will always be my first choice. I’ll take a moment to speak with the student, understand what happened, and help them reflect on their actions. After that, I’ll follow up with a phone call to the parents, explaining the situation and discussing how we can work together to prevent it from happening again.

Getting the Class Quiet: No Yelling!

I don’t believe in shouting to get your attention. Instead, I’ll model the behavior I want to see—if I’m waiting for your attention, I’ll simply wait. Silence speaks volumes! If I need you to quiet down and it’s not happening, we may have to assign homework or adjust your participation for the day, but I hope we won’t have to get to that point. Respect is a two-way street, and I’m here to help guide us toward that mutual understanding.

Ending Class with a Moment to Breathe

The end of class can sometimes feel like a rush, but I believe it’s important to give you a moment to transition out of the lesson and prepare for the next one. We’ll dedicate a few minutes at the end of each class to wrap up, shut down Chromebooks, and chat with your neighbors before heading to your next class. After all, mental health matters too, and I want to help you leave class feeling prepared and ready to take on the next challenge.

Collaborative Work and Grouping

I want to make sure that collaboration isn’t just a random mix of students. I’ll be strategic about grouping you, ensuring that each group has a mix of skills and abilities so everyone can contribute and learn. While you will have opportunities to choose your group as the year progresses, at first, we’ll start with assigned groups to help everyone stay on task.

Managing Absences and Late Work

I get it—life happens! That’s why I’m always available to help you get back on track if you miss class or fall behind. I won’t make a big deal about late work, but I do expect you to communicate with me if something comes up. I’m always open to offering extensions, as long as you take the responsibility to ask. Don’t worry—I’m here to support you, but I’ll need you to meet me halfway.

Technology and Bathroom Policy

SKHS has a strict phone policy, and we’ll follow it to help keep us focused during class. I’ll also have open conversations about how frustrating it can be to not have your phone at your fingertips all the time, so expect a real discussion about it. As for bathroom use—if you need to go, go. Just make sure you’re not missing too much class!

Emergency Procedures

In the case of an emergency, I will follow the school’s protocol, but my primary responsibility will be to keep you all safe. Whether it's a fire drill, tornado, or lockdown, I’ll stay calm and follow the procedures to make sure everyone is taken care of.

Wrapping It All Up

I’m here to guide you through this school year, and I’m thrilled to be a part of your journey. This classroom will be a space for learning, creativity, and mutual respect. I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together!