Learning is…
Learning is…
A lifelong journey that provides us with the opportunity to continuously acquire and develop skills and knowledge.
Learning happens when…
Students feel safe and have a sense of belonging and understanding in their environment, community, or classroom, and when their individual needs are met.
Students have supportive relationships and meaningful connections with those around them.
Opportunities for engagement are made available to students where their interests, needs, and abilities are met.
Mental health and well-being are considered, and accommodations are made to address individual and changing needs.
As a teacher I am…
Committed to the well-being and learning of students.
Responsible to my students and their families. I acknowledge that each family has their own set of values, culture, and needs, and as a teacher, it is my responsibility to respect and support these considerations.
Knowledgeable about coping strategies that support positive interactions, learning, development, and well-being.
Essential Principles in Creating a Safe Classroom Environment for Learning
As a teacher candidate, I “share the responsibility for student safety” with Ontario Certified Teachers (3). Some of the principles that I identify as being essential in creating a safe classroom environment for learning include the following:
Equity and inclusive education: Learning opportunities must be created and modified according to individual student needs. In addition to learning needs, students have a variety of other needs that include, but are not limited to, medical needs, physical needs, mental and health needs. Accommodations must be made to ensure that no student feels left out, and that enable every student to reach their potential and be understood.
The ethical principle of care: As a teacher, I am committed “to students’ well-being and learning through positive influence, professional judgment and empathy in practice.” (Professional Advisory,1)
As a teacher, I have a responsibility to treat and interact with students appropriately, and with “respect, trust, and integrity.” (Professional Advisory, 6). I must understand “how to support vulnerable populations such as students with exceptionalities or students who are bullied” (Professional Advisory, 6), which includes ensuring that all activities consider the “number of students and their relative abilities, development, disabilities and ages” (Professional Advisory, 4).
Given that “safety is a precursor to learning”, (Professional Advisory, 7), it is necessary that I am aware of signs of bullying, harassment, and discrimination, and that students “are free from verbal, physical, psychological, emotional and/ or sexual harm. Ensuring safe learning environments protects students and teachers” (Professional Advisory, 7). I will “model respectful behaviour and non[1]violent conflict resolution skills” at all times (Professional Advisory, 4)
Both mental and physical health and well-being are imperative. As a teacher, I will “know how to recognize mental health issues, including signs and words of aggression and suicidal intent, and report them immediately” (Professional Advisory, 6)
Diversity of Learning Needs and “Ways of Being”
I see diversity of learning needs and “ways of being” being addressed in my learning as a teacher in the following ways…
As a teacher, I will “promote positive behaviours and interactions” (Dauncey, 4) at all times. I will ensure that I “demonstrate respect, fairness and kindness in [my] interactions, and build healthy relationships that are free from discrimination and harassment” (Dauncey, 5). I will set an example for my students and encourage them to do the same.
All students have the right to be treated with dignity, respect, and support. I will encourage continuous and open dialogue and listen to students. Students should feel heard and supported at all times. I understand that each student is an individual with their own set of learning, emotional, environmental, social, physical, and other needs. Needs vary from one child to another, and I will modify my teaching according to each students’ learning.
I will encourage discussion about discrimination and promote inclusion through self-reflection and communication.
I recognize that all students are capable learners who want to feel understood and empowered.
REFERENCES
Ontario College of Teachers. (2013). Professional Advisory: Safety in learning environments: A shared responsibility. https://uottawa.brightspace.com/content/enforced/233824-2219MT0512231LL00/OCT%20Information/2013_professional_adv_en_web2.pdf
Dauncey, S. (2022). PED 3150 – Module 7: Creating an environment for learning. https://uottawa.brightspace.com/d2l/le/content/233824/viewContent/3651127/View