​
I believe that every individual can learn when their environment is safe, secure, and conducive to acquiring knowledge. Implementing and maintaining a positive learning environment requires educators to effectively communicate, maintain classroom management, engage in community initiatives, set high expectations, collaborate and professionally develop, accept and inspire systematic change, and be accountable.
A key essential to maintaining an environment where students want to learn is implementing a communication system that is supported by all members of the educational community. Open communication leads to all voices being heard and everyone feeling valued. When this communication occurs it supports developing students, and leads towards effective improvement in education.
Structure and assertive discipline are the foundation for encouraging and ensuring a positive learning environment. Discipline must be equitable and supported by all members of the educational community. When expectations are clear and students understand their role in the school and in the classroom, the student is able to take accountability for their learning. Through positive behavior reinforcement students are recognized for their engagement in doing the right thing and gives the learner a sense of pride in their character.
Supporting and engaging in community events, and student extra-curricular activities shows that invested interest in not only the student’s lives but in the efforts of the community. Educators are leaders in the community and engaging in initiatives set in the community, the community will support classroom and school goals as well. Partnerships with parents, community leaders, business owners, and all stakeholders is essential and necessary for all students to succeed.
Students will work to reach and exceed high expectations when the education community and all stakeholders are aware and in support of the efforts set in place. Through collaboration and goal setting reasonable expectations can be set that students should be able to meet and desire to exceed. Student accountability is an important part of meeting expectations and a shared vision must be established between the students, the school and the community.
Education is a field that is constantly changing and the best teaching practices changes as well. It is important for all staff, and leaders to continue professional development to improve and expound on their craft in order to effective reach all learners. Educations should unify to support each other and not work against each other. Comparison of teachers is not effective and does not support solidarity in a school system. Educations should collaborate on effective strategies that they use in order to foster the educational community and develop a rapport of support amongst each other.
In order for any system that is put in place to work, it must be supported by all stakeholders and have a purpose in its implementation. By promoting and maintaining a positive work, and learning environment student achievement and accountability will increase and help to promote academic learning.
