Learning Environment
Teachers work with all students to create a dynamic learning environment that supports achievement and growth.
The classroom environment is a critical aspect of a teacher’s skill in promoting learning. Students can’t concentrate on academic content if they don’t feel comfortable in the classroom. If the atmosphere is negative, if students fear ridicule, if the environment is chaotic, no one – neither students nor teacher – can focus on learning. Teachers who excel in Standard 4 create an atmosphere of excitement about the importance of learning and the significance of the content. Skills in Standard 4 are demonstrated through classroom interactions and observations.
The classroom environment is a critical aspect of a teacher’s skill in promoting learning. Students can’t concentrate on academic content if they don’t feel comfortable in the classroom. If the atmosphere is negative, if students fear ridicule, if the environment is chaotic, no one – neither students nor teacher – can focus on learning. Teachers who excel in Standard 4 create an atmosphere of excitement about the importance of learning and the significance of the content. Skills in Standard 4 are demonstrated through classroom interactions and observations.
4.1 Teachers create a mutually respectful, safe, and supportive learning environment that is inclusive of every student.
NYSED Indicators: Caring and respectful in interactions with students. Embrace student diversity as an asset in the classroom. Recognize and reinforce positive interactions among students. Create a climate of acceptance and respect. Create an environment where students feel a sense of responsibility to one another.
NYSED Indicators: Caring and respectful in interactions with students. Embrace student diversity as an asset in the classroom. Recognize and reinforce positive interactions among students. Create a climate of acceptance and respect. Create an environment where students feel a sense of responsibility to one another.
4.2 Teachers create an intellectually challenging and stimulating learning environment.
NYSED Indicators: Encourage students to set high standards and expectations for their own performance. Motivate students to initiate their own learning and strive to achieve challenging learning goals. Promote students’ curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. Students are actively engaged in learning. Students openly express their ideas. Students show pride in their work and accomplishments.
NYSED Indicators: Encourage students to set high standards and expectations for their own performance. Motivate students to initiate their own learning and strive to achieve challenging learning goals. Promote students’ curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. Students are actively engaged in learning. Students openly express their ideas. Students show pride in their work and accomplishments.
4.3 Teachers manage the learning environment for the effective operation of the classroom.
NYSED Indicators: Establish, communicate, and maintain clear standards and expectations for student behavior. Develop, implement, and adapt routines and procedures to manage activities and transitions. Facilitate instructional groupings to maximize student participation, cooperation, and learning. Students exhibit respectful classroom interactions.
NYSED Indicators: Establish, communicate, and maintain clear standards and expectations for student behavior. Develop, implement, and adapt routines and procedures to manage activities and transitions. Facilitate instructional groupings to maximize student participation, cooperation, and learning. Students exhibit respectful classroom interactions.
4.4 Teachers organize and utilize available resources (e.g. physical space, time, people, technology) to create a safe and productive learning environment.
NYSED Indicators: Arrange and adapt the physical environment to accommodate individual and group learning needs. Ensure that all students have equitable access to available resources and technologies. Effectively use the services and skills of available volunteers and paraprofessionals. Know and implement policies and procedures to ensure classroom safety.
NYSED Indicators: Arrange and adapt the physical environment to accommodate individual and group learning needs. Ensure that all students have equitable access to available resources and technologies. Effectively use the services and skills of available volunteers and paraprofessionals. Know and implement policies and procedures to ensure classroom safety.