English 10 Expectations

Three words summarize my philosophy of classroom management. They are work, respect, and belong. Read more about each below.

Work: Show up for class—physically and mentally. Your fellow students and I need you here. Your primary purpose here is to participate in your learning and to produce work that contributes to the good of our class community. As Michael Hartoonian, scholar of education and public policy, says, “Work that we do to improve our personal circumstances always affects others. If we do good work, that good radiates to others. Of course, poor or bad work also radiates to others, causing a general decline in the wealth of the community.” Knowledge, which you gain through work, is key to successful citizenship in a multicultural world. To this end, expect homework each night and prepare to speak in class each day. Turn in your assignments on time. If you are absent, find out what you missed, and turn in any missed assignments within two days of your absence.

Respect: At all times, be respectful of scholarship, of yourself, of each other, and of me. The mis-use of cell phones, calculators, or Ipods distract from your learning and the learning of other students and will not be tolerated. I reserve the right to confiscate these items if they are mis-used during class. In addition, we have a mouse problem in the school. Mice infiltrate any classroom where students bring in food or sugary drinks. Water ONLY is allowed in this room. Please, please, please respect my abhorrence of mice in my classroom. We don’t need them running over our feet, up our pant legs, or into our backpacks.

Belong: Foster community by welcoming others. You need to take care of each other, be ready for anything, and appreciate the differences that each person brings to class.