Emma Spoor

7 Things Students Want to Know

1. Am I in the right room?
In order to alleviate student stress and anxiety on the first day of school, I will greet each
student at the door when they arrive for class, and double-check their schedules to
assure they are where they are supposed to be. The wall dcor and posters should also
indicate this is a Texas History classroom.
2. Where am I supposed to sit?
A seating chart will be assigned the first day, and an image of the classroom desk layout
with each students name on his or her assigned desk will be projected on the overhead
screen. Whenever we break up into small groups for discussion purposes, I will be explicit
about who belongs to each group. The seating chart will also be changed throughout the
year.
3. What are the rules in this classroom?
The classroom rules will be clearly posted in the room and will also be included in the
class syllabus.
4. What will I be doing this year?
This course is focused on the history of Texas, beginning with the first Indian tribes all
the way to the present. We will be utilizing our textbooks, as well as other sources, both
primary and secondary, across a broad media spectrum. Our goals are for you to have an
extensive understanding of our state history, as well as prepare you for the next grade
level.
I will be providing a general outline each month that will allow the students to see where
we are headed that month and know when major assessments and assignments are due.
5. How will I be graded?
Grades will be based off their effort put forward in homework, classwork, test, quizzes,
projects and participation.
6. Who is the teacher as a person?
I want the students to know who I am as an individual outside of the classroom. I will
decorate the area behind and on my desk with images and objects that showcase my
interests and hobbies, including pictures of my travels abroad and posters from concerts
and events that Ive attended.
7. Will the teacher treat me as a human?
I believe that when I expect respect and cooperation, I will give that to my students. I
know that each student is an individual and should be treated as such.

Emma Spoor