When I grow up....

Dear Ms. Courtney Waters,

Thank you for being the best team teacher that a girl could ever have. It was a long summer, but you were there every step of the way. You set the bar high in our classroom. You never let me slack, and when I did, you were there to give me advice on how to be better. Watching you teach was a pleasure. You did not have to demand respect from the students, you commanded it when you stood before them. I would sit there and say to myself, "WOW, why can't I do that!" Your teacher presence shows how hard you have worked as a classroom teacher. I was impressed with your professionalism throughout summer school, as well as your willingness to go above and beyond to help me be a better teacher. In meetings, you always laid out your expectations for our class as well as gave positive feedback. You were always open to suggestions and
I hope that one day, I can command a classroom in the way that you did. I hope that all of the lessons that you taught stick with me. I also hope that I am as successful as you were within my district. I enjoyed listening to your accomplishments. It made me realize that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you for being a positive voice, even when I messed up or did something wrong. Your approach to TEAM teaching built me up in ways that words cannot explain. When I grow up (as a teacher), I want to be like you; for your spirit as a teacher shines through your presence in the classroom.

The United Class of Mrs. Brooks

I finished summer school knowing 2 things for sure:

1. I have a deep burning passion to educate children in MS.
2. I have a classroom management plan to help me make that happen.

As a teacher in one of the worst behaved classes in summer school, most (really all) of my training was in classroom management. The students did everything from singing and dancing, to planning a mass exodus to the bathroom. They were disrespectful and goofy. They were off task and overly engaged all in the same rights. For the entire summer, I took notes and pondered on my personal philosophy of classroom management. Most of my daily "take-aways" were related to management as well as ways to improve my management style.  

My definition of classroom management is: a proactive approach that allows all participants in the learning process a fair opportunity to strive academically and socially. It should include rules, procedures, and expectations that are achievable and that can be maintained. Classroom management should also be centered around positive reinforcements to encourage positive behavior. 

My classroom management philosophy is:

• All students can learn. Classroom management should engulf that idea as well as make it possible. 
• Each person (student and teacher) should utilize the tools that are in place in order to facilitate academic growth.
• Classroom management is essential to student success. When they know that you want them to do better, they will.

My classroom management plan is going to be my pride and glory. I believe that children secretly long for structure and order. The students want to learn without disruption. So my goal is going to maintain an atmosphere that allows them to learn. Overall, my plan is to set a high expectation in my classroom while rewarding those who meet and exceed it, as well as giving consequences to the people who fall short in an effort to get them back on track.