Classroom Management Philosophy Statement

I believe that when students are in a safe environment, learning can take place. This doesn’t necessarily mean punishing behavioral problems but rather a combination of setting the tone in a class. That is, preventing behavior problems with interesting and engaging curriculum and effectively including all students in the classroom so that their needs are met. Having the right environment for all students to learn is a major goal of implementing good classroom management. Without it the students will not be able to learn.

I have heard that for many beginning teachers, classroom management can be one of the most challenging aspects of their new career.  Knowing this, I decided to experiment with many classroom management approaches during my student teaching to find one that fit both my students and myself.  Based on these experiences, I designed a classroom management plan that I will implement in my classroom as a beginning teacher.  It is important to note, however, that my classroom management philosophy will be evolving as necessary as I gain more experience and insight into the field of teaching.  Also, my classroom management plan may need to be altered to fit my specific group of students.

My philosophy of classroom management is that the management of elementary classrooms require several things.  Among patience, determination and motivation are: flexibility, careful planning and consistency.  A well-managed classroom did not get well-managed without a teacher who planned, had a flexible vision and was determined.  Any new teacher, who is asked, will say they want a classroom with as few behavioral problems as possible as well as one that is easily manageable.  But any experienced teacher, who is asked, will tell those new teachers that classrooms do not come "well managed".  They have to be made into well-managed classrooms.  These experienced teachers would also encourage by saying

More importantly, creating positive student-teacher relationships can prevent discipline issues from arising. By establishing a persistent tone of mutual respect, students will participate in class activities with confidence that they and their opinions are valued. Students also should be taught how to appreciate the unique contributions each student brings to the class, as well as how to effectively resolve issues that may arise. I believe that demonstrating genuine respect to students and showing interest in their concerns will allow the effective use of instructional time, positive relationships to prevail, and minimal discipline problems to avail.

The first theory I connected with was that of Frederic Jones who uses the “Positive Class Management” model. Jones believes, “Positive classroom management procedures affirm students. Educators set limits; build cooperation; and use practical, simple, and easy-to-use strategies” (Manning and Bucher, 2013, p. 41). This model sets up the foundation for my philosophy. I will use my own classroom management tactics to assess issues and

            My philosophy on classroom management came from my schooling and personal observations. I do not have a physical classroom yet, but have seen many different styles each teacher uses when in the classroom. The theoretical perspective that best describes my personal philosophy is the personal needs theory. Stanley Coopersmith discussed “that individuals need to experience a sense of significance, competence, and power” (Jones & Jones, 2010, p. 33). I believe that it is important that a student trust and builds a positive rapport or relationship with you. I believe that students, who trust and believe in their teacher, with this the student, may tend to work harder and it gives the student the belief that they can accomplish any task. When a level of trust and

After carefully considering the various theories regarding classroom management and addressing individual thoughts and concerns I have decided that my philosophy of classroom management will be a combination of medium and high control. I have chosen these styles of management because I can identify with the reasoning behind these levels of control. Unlike medium and high control, low control offers the idea of intrinsic motivation which I like; however, I feel that many students need extra guidance not provided in theorists like Kohn. I also believe that structuring classroom management with medium and high control will provide opportunities for students to be fully successful. Finally, as an individual, I feel if I established medium

Classroom management is a popular topic in education. Teachers are always looking for ways to improve their classroom environment, or new ways to deal with problem behaviors. For every person who has ever worked with children, there is an idea, a theory, as to how to best meet children’s needs. Early theorists provide the basis for many current behavior management ideas, and often include a combination of ideas. Theorists such as Abraham Maslow, Rudolf Dreikurs, William Glasser, and Stanley Coppersmith offer insight into the behavior and motivations of children that help teachers design strategies to prevent disruption and provide a positive learning environment for all students.

When I started teaching 17 years ago, I thought students would do what I asked them to do, because I asked. I have learned throughout the years that this is not always true, and that it is very important to have a classroom management plan ready every year before school starts. As a teacher, it is my job to provide a safe environment where my students feel welcome, and can receive the quality education they deserve. I believe that I should be assertive with discipline and teaching, have an organized, well-managed classroom, and teach students important social skills and how to behave appropriately in different situations they may encounter throughout their lives.

The setting of the classroom can dramatically affect student behavior, attention span, and student teacher relationships. There is an abundant amount of respect within the classroom I observe. The students are considerate and attentive towards the teacher due to the teacher’s with-it-ness, which DiGiulio (2004) as, “the degree to which teachers are aware of what is going on in the classroom” (p. 34). He also stated, “With-it-ness prevents many off-task behaviors and prevents disruption” (DiGiulio, 2004, p. 34). Based on my observations the effects of DiGiulio’s concept of with-it-ness are evident within the classroom. The teacher knows her students and how they will behave throughout the day. Her student, Honey, rarely volunteers because she is afraid of being ridiculed. The teacher is aware of this behavior and makes sure to call on Honey if she raises her hand to volunteer. She also knows that after lunch Edgar needs to walk around the hallways for a few minutes before coming to the classroom. If Edgar doesn’t have these few moments to relax himself, he will become disruptive during instruction. She is aware of the disruptive students and knows not to seat one near another. She also is mindful of students who have problems

Developing an ideal classroom that is well-managed does not require any special power. It requires a simple skill called thought and heart. One of the key components of becoming a successful and ultimately great teacher is how you manage the classroom. Sports analysts say the most intelligent quarterbacks are the best game managers. Teachers play the quarterback role and Game Day, with the offense and defense out on the field, is the classroom of students.

Classroom management is a key element to establish a successful learning environment in any classroom. An effective classroom management plan creates a positive learning environment. Classroom management is affected by the characteristics of the students and their behavior. Students’ behavior is influenced by their age, academic abilities, goals, interests, and home backgrounds (Evertson, Emmer, and Worsham, 2006). Teachers need a diverse array of classroom management skills to facilitate learning. A classroom with a proper management plan will spend less time in disciplining and more time in learning. Students in effectively managed classrooms know and follow clearly defined rules and routines. A classroom management plan should provide

My personality is an odd mixture of strict and easy going. I know how to have a

            The term “respect” has already shown up various times in this piece; that is because it is the key element of classroom management. A classroom founded on respect creates an open and safe environment where the students can have free-exchange of ideas with one another and the teacher. This aspect of management requires constant and consistent enforcement and modeling. Defining what is respectful from the beginning and giving a rationale for treating others with respect is a great way to start.

Classroom management and classroom discipline share a correlation with one another yet; they are uniquely different issues and should remain a separate focus of the teacher. (Cantor, 2006) Behavior and misbehavior also share a connection but represent different degrees of infraction. (Charles, 2008) This essay focuses on the differences and similarities of these topics and their relation to the classroom.