Memorandum

To: CC: From: Date: Re:

Long-term Classroom Substitute Jeff Neall, Principal Crystal Chapa 7/23/2013 Classroom Credo

First and foremost, as a classroom teacher you have the ability to influence others in a variety of ways and it is your responsibility to respect this power and use it in the best way possible. You are a role model and must work towards positive and professional interactions with students, parents and teachers. It is important to share with others who you are and what you value; help them to understand where you come from in your perspectives, decisions and actions. Allow others to see your flaws, along with the thought, work and patience needed to overcome challenges and adversity in your own life. Show respect and integrity in your daily actions; demand it from others and help guide those struggling to achieve this expectation. Listen, listen and listen some more. Learn about the lives of your students and make personal connections whenever possible. Prove to them you can be part of their support system as they maneuver through the academic and social obstacles of middle school. As a classroom teacher, you must make learning engaging and meaningful. In this type of environment, students will strive to meet your expectations and will be more responsible for their own learning. You must stay positive. Show the passion you have for the mission you have committed to; excitement is contagious and can be the spark that ignites a fire! Empower others through knowledge and opportunity. Focus on teaching students the skills needed to think, learn and share rather than the information itself. Provide real world applications within the classroom that force students to expand their learning to realms outside of the classroom. As a teacher leader, share your knowledge with other adults and be sure to listen to the educators around you. Work collaboratively to improve the environment and experiences of the children and adults in your school and community. Finally, give your time and talents to others outside of school and show your students how to do the same. Students often hear they need to be the change they hope to see in the world, but rarely do we show them how to achieve this. Give students the opportunity and skills to find the power they have within to make a change. One of the greatest feelings in life is knowing you did something to help someone elsethis notion transcends all generations and backgrounds. Do your part to leave this earth, especially the school and your students, better off than when you arrived. Best wishes to you and your journey. Be sure to enjoy the ride!