The+Classroom+Environment

According to Charlotte Danielson, the elements of mastery of Domain 2 include:
 * Creating an Environment of Respect and Rapport
 * Establishing a Culture for Learning
 * Managing Classroom Procedures
 * Managing Student Behavior
 * Organizing Physical Space

On my school website, I have information about my course, the assignments over a two-week period, and an explanation of the discipline procedures. This is communicated to both students and parents at the beginning of the year in the course syllabus, but it is available as a reference throughout the year. This aids in my ability to manage student behavior and minimize classroom distractions. To view my entire website, follow this link.
 * Artifact 1: Website Information**

Listed below are a few notes I have received from parents and a former student regarding my teaching. It demonstrates my ability to form relationships with the students which creates an environment of respect and allows learning to happen with less obstruction. Some of the longer emails have passages highlighted that describe my impact on the student. I have either left the sender's information out completely or censored it in the interest of maintaining privacy.
 * Artifact 2: Parent and student communication**



An email from a former student:

As part of an assignment for a graduate class, I had to develop an ideal layout for classroom with regards to brain-based teaching strategies. This organization of classroom space not only streamlines daily procedures, but helps students feel comfortable as they learn.
 * Artifact 3: Classroom diagram**

While I am certainly not a skilled artist, this assignment required us to incorporate elements that affect brain-based learning to help students. The picture has natural light shining on the classroom, which includes numerous plants. Both of these help the classroom feel like a more natural environment. The desks are grouped together, so students can cooperate throughout a lesson. Student work adorns the walls, along with clearly established rules, which give the room a personal touch while maintaining order. Assignments and daily objectives are posted to help guide students throughout the lesson. Music notes float throughout the diagram, demonstrating how music would be playing as appropriate.

Portfolio Home Domain 1: Planning & Preparation Domain 3: Instruction Domain 4: Professional Responsibilities