PART A: Teaching Philosophy

As an aspiring teacher, I am driven by a deep passion for education and desire to make a positive impact
on the lives of young learners. Guiding students towards a love for learning and fostering their personal
growth is a responsibility that I embrace wholeheartedly. My journey towards becoming an educator has
been shaped by my past experiences as an environmental educator, particularly through my direct field
work with the North American wood turtle. From a young age, I have been captivated by the wonders of
the natural world and the importance of environmental education. Engaging with students in this
capacity allowed me to witness the transformative powers of constructivism and experiential learning.

PART B: Classroom Management Plan

i) Purpose of Plan:
First and foremost, it is important to note that classroom management plans are
individualized based on provinces and school boards – each varying in their structure,
purpose and needs of the students/communities. They must align with educational
policies of that area, such as fire and safety policies.
The purpose of these plans is to ensure a heightened level of engagement, student
success, and to foster positive, inclusive environments that naturally provide equity,
supports for behavioural issues, and enhanced learning opportunities for every student.
These plans are not meant to be individualized, rather they are meant to deter varying
issues that can present themselves without a management plan in place. These plans are
for all students in the classroom.

ii) Step by Step Guide:

0) Before first day of school: *Ask for policies on classroom décor/lighting.
a. Create inviting environment – Use of low lighting, large area rug in calming
corner with comfy chair and warm colors.
b. Studies show classroom pet (fish, lizard, etc.) reduces anxiety – get funding
for one.
c. Paint murals on wall (Happiness-inducing quotes, sense of belonging, etc.)
d. Ensure my own self is reflected through my desk – travel photos, pets, loved
ones, etc. to convey a sense of transparency to students. IM A HUMAN,
TOO!
e. Ensure desk is situated on the side of the classroom, or in the back of the
classroom so you can see what students are doing to ensure best classroom
management.
f. Use positive reinforcement strategies, as often as possible.
 g. Ensure students feel welcomed by placing their work on the walls of the
classroom (after a few weeks) b.
h. Day 2: Presentation on respect, fairness, equality, and equity in the
classroom.
i. Create a bathroom sign out sheet that doesn’t require asking to induce
responsibility (might not work but ill see how mature the students are that
particular year).
j. Create laughter everyday through the Hook/Introduction to class to start off
great.

1) Greet Students with a smile at the entrance to the classroom (first impressions
matter).
2) Develop a co-constructed classroom management plan that will be posted on the
wall for the rest of the year.
3) Be transparent in your expectations for the students, and ensure DAILY schedule is
ALWAYS posted on corner of board (Current homework, reminders, etc.)
4) Use get-to-know you forms on 1st day to ensure I can connect with my students.
5) (No learning on day one, only building bonds, open door policy)
6) Create consequence contract with the students. Print them and bring the contracts
in for students to sign. Keep all year, and if broken, bring out individual student
contract and show them.
7) Have a stereo system in the classroom to allow for frequent music playing to induce
a sense of calm. Low level only.

iii) Classroom Management Tips:

1. Consistent Routine
2. Clear Expectations
3. Time for Self-Reflection
4. Classroom seatings plans/ strategic seating plans
5. Active Engagement
6. Physical aspect in the lesson (up and moving)
7. Monitoring – ensure teacher is moving around the classroom.
8. Positivity
9. Behavior Contracts (mentioned before)
10. Individualized Support
11. Parental Communication and Involvement (newsletters, etc.)
12. Peer-building and Support-Building
13. Conflict Resolution Strategies
14. Individual Check-ins
15. Classroom Jobs (each student responsible for something)

iv) Understanding the Community:

The community I will likely teach in is a middle class, rural area that is predominantly
English speaking with some Acadian students and a strong indigenous population. Let’s
hypothetically pick Fredericton.

Population: 63, 116 (core)

Average Household income: 73, 000
Median Age: 40
Visible Minorities: Black (1780), South Asian (1775), Arab (1555), Chinese (1135), Filipino
(600), Latin American (520).
Total Visible Minorities: 8,395
English Speakers: 61k | English & French Speakers: 15k
Indigenous Identification: First Nations (1535), Metis (435), Inuit (95), N/A (90).
https://townfolio.co/nb/fredericton/demographics

Community Resource List Example:

• Fredericton Community Services Inc – 686 Riverside Dr. (506) 459 7461
Food Bank on site.
• Tele-Care 811 (24/7)
• Kids Help Phone Text TALK to 686868 or 1-800-668-6868
• Hope for Wellness Indigenous helpline 1-855-242-3310
• John Howard Society of Fredericton
• NB Additions and Mental Health 18666 355-5550
• Bridge the Gapp – Youth resource navigation site.
• Chimo 1-800-667-5005

School Based Resource List:

• Peter Cook peter.cook@nbed.nb.ca
• Cristel Hamilton cristel.hamilton@nbed.nb.ca
• Breakfast Program – Morning in classroom ____.
• Administration – if having problems with a teacher/employee
• The Link School Program

Reflection:

As an educator, podcasts and professional journals can have a substantial amount of

influence on your classroom management strategies. In the busy world we live in,
professional development takes on different looks – and this includes listening to
podcasts during your daily commute to work. The Creative Classroom and Journal of
Management Education are great resources that allow educators to easily explore
new trends and current day pedagogy practices, for example. These resources have
become a vital tool in staying informed all while informally developing yourself as a
better teacher. By regularly reading journals and listening to podcasts, teachers can
expand their understanding of various methodologies to create a better managed
classroom. Moreover, listening and reading about classroom management allows
educators to stay current with the latest trends and research – a topic that is built
into the Nova Scotia Teaching Standards.