Incorporate my own style of working with people, developed through my career as a social worker.

Utilize "Strengths Perspective", recognizing and building upon strengths, with the belief that every individual has areas of strengths.

Utilize "systems" approach, seeing students not just inside the classroom, but recognizing their relationship with other systems in their lives.

Utilize my strengths in working with others:  building relationships through empathy, listening, respect, and presenting new ideas and skills in a way which does not pose as a "threat" or encourage defensiveness.

Assertive Discipline (Canter):  Clear rules are laid out, consistently enforced, and used with praise.

Gordon's ideas of positive and negative consequences.

Involve class in developing rules.  Clearly post rules in the classroom.  Provide copies for students to sign, and share these with parents.

Utilize positive discipline techniques in describing behaviors which I want to see, in contrast to a long list of "don'ts".

Use of praise:  I will acknowledge good behavior and efforts, verbally and through the use of non-verbals.

I will not praise just those who are excelling, but those who are "trying", even if it is a struggle.

I will keep in mind that "not every student will like me, nor will I necessarily like every student".  I will try to find at least one think I can respect each student for, even if it is just showing up for school.

Communicate to parents the strengths and successes in their children, through phone calls or post cards.

Offer students choices, so that they have some "positive control".  (Keeping in mind that developmentally, students are looking for independence, individuality, and control).

Provide students with two "restroom passes" each quarter.

Give students some choices in projects to be completed for class (selecting their own topic, way to present the material, etc).

Have students develop their own "goals" for the class, and have students review their progress.

Work as a "team" in each child's education, communicating with parents what is being done in class, and reinforcing the importance of their encouragement and support. 

Collaborate and problem solve with others involved with the child in the school system.

Use of "class meetings", giving students the opportunity to voice concerns, suggestions, positives noticed in others (acts of kindness).

Use of direct instruction:  Outline for students at the beginning of class what will be happening today.

Turn off the lights to get students' attention.  Don't begin talking until all are silent, rather than competing with them.

Incorporate the teaching of social skills, using opportunities to teach skills as they arise (such as responsibility, respect for others, problem solving, etc).

Model respect for students, being a teacher who is courteous, prompt, enthusiastic, in-control, patient, and organized, thus setting an example for my students through my own behavior.