Classroom Management Plan

Jessica J. Brauer
Doane University | Initial Certification Program

When I first began my journey towards becoming an educator, one of my largest worries was
regarding classroom management. I was worried about not being able to be strict enough.
Over the last decade, I have learned that I neednt have had that fear. Classroom
management isnt only about discipline and knowing when to send a student to the office. It
is so much more than that, and I have learned a number of strategies centered around
relationship building that I plan to employ within my classroom alongside of (and with the
hopes of preventing) a discipline plan.

Goal: My primary goal regarding classroom management is that the students stay in the
classroom. Therefore, all of my classroom procedures and plans center around this idea.

Seating Charts: I have learned that using a seating chart can help encourage a positive
classroom environment in a number of ways. First, a seating chart helps to prevent possible
alienation of any one student or group of students. Seating charts also create an
environment that encourages students to get to know other students they may have never
spoken to before, and who may have entirely different life stories than themselves.
Additionally, by gathering feedback from students about individuals they feel they would be
successful or unsuccessful sitting by, and feedback about whether they prefer a certain area
of the room, I can help alleviate potential conflicts and complaints. To continue to encourage
a community classroom, I will also adjust the seating chart at least monthly, so students are
able to work with and get to know as many different classmates as possible during the
semester. Placement of the student desks will depend on the courses I am teaching. If I am
teaching a literature or reading course, then desks will be arranged to help facilitate easy
discussion. If the class is a writing class, then desks will be arranged so I can easily work
with students individually. The space of the classroom and types of desks will also determine
my final classroom arrangements. In any arrangement, I will place my teachers desk towards
the back of the room for easy monitoring of students, should I need to be at my desk.

Classroom Expectations: I believe it is important to take time at the beginning of each

semester to go over my expectations, and I believe it is important that students have some say
in this process as well. On the first day of class, well do an activity to begin creating the
community in the classroom getting to know one another. On day two, and subsequent
days, if necessary, we will create expectations for the classroom. I will write down my larger

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expectations for the class, and then we will brainstorm examples and non-examples of what
this would look like in our classroom. These expectations would then be given to the
students and posted in the classroom for easy reference. This will connect into taking some
time to go over the syllabus for the class, which will list my grading and late work policies, as
it will list and give information for the larger assignments and work the students will
encounter during the course of the semester.

Encouraging Community: In order to create a positive classroom environment, I will make

an effort to encourage positive community building in my classroom. I will do this by
utilizing partner work and group work as part of my regular daily lesson structure. I believe
it is also important to make a concerted effort to learn the students names (and to learn how
to pronounce them correctly), as well as to make efforts of learning each students story. As
stated in my personal philosophy of education, I believe every student has a story that has
shaped them into who he/she is and how he/she learns. It is therefore important that I not
only make an effort to learn each students story myself, but to encourage everyone in my
class to learn each others stories as well. Knowing about each student as a human being can
help me better approach them individually should anything go wrong and need to be
addressed in the classroom regarding behavior.

Proximity Control: One of the best things I can do as an educator when it comes to
managing my classroom is to use proximity control. While I intend to have my desk located
strategically for monitoring the classroom, I dont plan to spend much time at it. Instruction
will primarily be from the front of the classroom, but if I dont need to use the board for
anything, then I will also walk around the room while teaching. During independent and
group work times, I will go around and check in with students individually and/or in a group,
conduct small conferences to see where each student is at in their working process, and offer
to answer any questions if they have any. As I walk around the room, I will pay attention to
whether students are on task. If I notice a student wandering, Ill make a point to stop by
their desk and assist them to get back on track.

Leaving the classroom: Students will not be allowed to leave the classroom during the first
15 minutes of class, he last 15 minutes, or during instruction or group work. If a student
needs to leave, then he/she will sign out of the classroom, take a hall pass, and sign back in
when they return. These expectations will be established at the beginning of the semester
and reestablished at quarter break.

Technology in the classroom: My technology policy will depend largely on whether I am in a

one-to-one school or not. If students have a device for class, I will make clear by posting in

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the classroom, and by explaining within my lesson whether students will need their devices.
Students will be required to keep all personal devices stowed in a backpack or pocket
between bells, unless I have given permission otherwise. If these expectations arent
followed, the device will be taken away until the end of class.

Time Management: Finally, I believe one of the most important elements to maintaining a
well-managed classroom is proper time management within lessons. Students will have
something to work on related to the days lesson beginning from the moment they walk in
the classroom door. I will utilize a daily warm-up that students will complete which connects
to the days lesson. Transition time will be minimal, and work time will be structured. If,
during work time a student completes all the work required for my class, then they will be
allowed to work on homework for other classes. If that is also complete, then the student will
be invited to select a book from the classroom library to read.

Discipline Plan: While I hope, just as every teacher does, that I will be able to prevent any
misbehavior in my classroom through positive community and relationship building and by
utilizing the strategies listed above, I also understand that this is unlikely and it will be
important to have a discipline plan in place. While this plan will be adjusted as necessary to
reflect the procedures for the school where I am placed, I plan to incorporate the following:

1. On the first infraction, a student will be given a verbal conference/warning. This will be
done discreetly, if possible so as to draw little attention to the student for the
misbehavior.
2. On the second infraction, a student will be given a reflection sheet which he/she will be
required to fill out and turn in to me discussing what the behavior was, why it was
inappropriate, and how they plan to fix it. Additionally, a call home will be made.
3. On the third infraction, the student will be referred to an administrator.

Referral to Administration: The ultimate goal is to never need to refer a student to

administration, but should a behavior arise enough times, or be a serious enough (e.g. violent
behavior), then I will take the appropriate steps for referral.

While it is important to hold a place of authority in the class, I have learned that classroom
management isnt necessarily just about being strict. Proper classroom management, in
fact, begins from a place of caring, and it is this knowledge that will drive my management
practices as I continue forward in my career.