SHELTER
For some students, in fact, for many, my classroom will be the one stable home they can count on. I take this spirit, vibe, energy VERY seriously. "Safe spaces" is a trend now and often an illusion. Many schools make great commercials, but their building is not a home away from home. I seek to collaborate with schools based on their commitment to deliver safety, security and learning. Right now. Every day. No excuses. I will not work anywhere the students, and staff are not safe. I have a following of families, and they trust my vetting process. I prefer to be in the field and not behind a desk telling teachers they are not working hard enough. Teaching never gets boring or old, but politics does. I refuse admin positions because I know exactly why I was born and what I am met to do. My classroom is for children and families that WANT to learn. In the 21st century, learning ironically is a choice and some people will refuse to learn. my classroom is not for people who do not want to be there. Being a teacher is a sacred stewardship, and my class will not be another example of a civilization preparing to fall and fail. Please look into the photos below and imagine yourself being in my classroom. It always smells good, has a power snack stash and the best candy jar in the building!
Forum and Stage
My classroom is half traditional and half plant filled living room. I keep the chairs in a" U "or circle formation. I find it best for student interaction with short lectures. My lectures do not go longer than 5-10 minutes. The discussion is led by student voices. Debates are inside the circle, and presentations are by the board and smartboard area for "staging" and prop purposes. I provide, costumes, powdered wigs, Judge robes, aged tunics and more. My class brings history to life. I challenge each class to make the lesson relevant for today in the Americas or around the world. Exams are given in university style blue books for practice. Late students do not gain admittance without a note and students "caught" roaming the halls are required to come in and join the lesson in the leftover seating in the front of class. I give a monthly instructor survey for feedback and to fish for new ideas. We use the map every day because we are the only nation in the world where map reading and (handwriting) are supposedly obsolete. I prepare my students to engage in the world as it is, not how the status quo minority imagine it to be.
No Pacing, just perching
I do NOT do the "expert" recommended pacing in the classroom. Even when I am testing, I silently move from corner to corner to pre-positioned seating. This way the students become nervous wrecks, and they still have access to me for clarity or support. I am able to execute check ins for all levels when a task timer starts and students are trained on how to prep their papers for myself, a Paraprofessional adult or a senior student to check for compliance and "best" responses. Student helpers are picked per period to collect "do now" intro tasks and "exit ticket" challenges. No student tech allowed in class, no carrying your closet and avoiding locker use. No sleeping, No cafe space. My students understand our class culture supports learning by yourself and with others. I am not their friend, and I am not their peer. My class follows all just school policies and procedures that are not rooted in white supremacy. Yes, I said that. Black excellence is the norm in my class unapologetically. I am responsible for my classes. I do not ever let students take over my class with mayhem and chaos. I introduce myself to families in the summertime and clarify how the parent wants to be informed of their child's behaviors and academic progress. I have contacted parents on day 1 when necessary.
Seating charts are my business
I study every single student file and my class rosters. I check for ratio, students with support and students with access needs. I will use a seating chart to get to know student names and faces quickly. With an average of 130 students per teacher, a system must be implemented, or it will take longer than 4 weeks to memorize your students. The sooner you know the students and their habits you become a more effective teacher. Learning your students' names is a gesture of respect not just a management issue. it is how initiate my relationship with each student. Every day, I greet students at the door to literally invite them in. This is our personal check in moment. I can check for dress code, student supplies, suspicious smells, melancholy body language, etc. By being welcomed in, the student is agreeing to be aware of themselves, the class and the teacher and uphold the standards. Negative choices can be noted at the door, and support can respond more swiftly. Less distractions and more learning are what I promise my families.
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