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Signature Assignment: My Classroom Discipline Plan

Melody Bearman

Arizona State University

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Abstract

This paper contains the classroom discipline plan intended to create the most productive learning

environment possible. A teacher’s vision combined with philosophies of educational theorists

come together for a complete plan of action for classroom success. Rules and Procedures are

outlined, as well as consequences for infractions. With a goal of complete transparency, such

Rule and Procedures will be clearly communicated by the teacher to students, as well as to

parents and administrators. To complete the plan, a detailed classroom layout is included. This

specifies the placement of furniture and instructional materials, with the rationale behind such

decisions. Differentiation is taken into consideration, in an attempt to design the most realistic

and workable environment for positive learning and development for all students.
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Signature Assignment: My Classroom Discipline Plan

The role of an educator is multi-faceted. We are required to inspire, teach, direct, re-

direct, encourage, and lift. Certainly, we also need to invite our own learning and growth in the

process. I believe that above all, we need to embrace teaching as a calling and a privilege. To this

point, I wrote “The Calling” to express my personal philosophy of education.

Philosophy of Education

The Calling

by Melody Bearman

Teaching is a journey, one without a final destination,

But rather a life-long adventure.
My goal is to create an environment of motivation and acceptance,
A safe space for learning, for growing.

Education is the vehicle that makes connections,

Student to student, student to community, student to world.
Strengthening understanding of self and others
Is the key to a healthy society.

Students, come as you are and know that you are wonderful,
Unique, respected and admired. (If you forget, I will remind you.)
Please open your mind and stretch -- show the world what you can do.
I promise it will be worth your time.

You see, there is hidden treasure in knowledge and exploration,

Which richness is within your reach.
I invite you to join me on the path that will direct you
Toward your own discovery of such magic.

Parents, thank you for sharing your children and entrusting me with their growth.
Thank you for encouraging them to keep trying.
I pledge to nurture them and assist you in your role.
If we only pay attention, they will truly teach us.

Please join us in and outside of the classroom,

Take part in this adventure.
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Make connections with your child’s world.

I know you’ll be glad that you did.

Together we will cultivate a community of learners and doers,

Where respect is shaped and reciprocated.
A society that takes care of one another, facilitates
Equality and understanding.

For this, I aspire to inspire.

I commit to life-long learning and exploration
As we endeavor to improve the world together.
We are building a stronger tomorrow.

Philosophy of Discipline

The word discipline often carries a negative connotation. However, if implemented well,

discipline is simply a structure in which the teacher maintains control of the classroom

environment. The primary purpose of discipline is to create a positive and safe space for the

sharing of ideas and for learning to take place. For this goal to be realized, the teacher and the

students each hold a share of the responsibility. A teacher who respects their students is right to

expect the same respect in return. True respect is earned -- not demanded -- and it should not

only be demonstrated between teacher and students, but also among all student-to-student

interactions. A well-run classroom includes a few rules of conduct, with clear consequences if

rules are not followed. However, much of the success within the classroom comes from

procedures consistently implemented by the teacher, in order to establish accustomed norms.

Theory in Practice

Craig Seganti, the author of Classroom Discipline 101: How to Get Control of Any

Classroom No Matter How Tough the Students, explains that a disruptive student interferes with

another’s constitutional right to learn. With this constitutional right, students should expect their

peers to be respectful and courteous. As a preventative measure, the teacher should begin the
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school year with an explanation of this constitutional right for education. A whole-class

discussion could ensure that all students understand their own rights and responsibilities in

creating such an environment of learning. This may need to be revisited a few times throughout

the year as a reminders and re-direction if students begin to veer off track.

It is important to make a distinction between rules and procedures in the classroom.

According to an article in Teacher.org titled “6 Questions to Tackle in Managing Classroom

Procedures,” classroom rules will “carry out the spirit” of the classroom, while procedures and

routines help create an “effective and efficient learning environment” (Konen). Rules and

procedures both have their place in the classroom and need to be clearly communicated by

teacher for student understanding.

Establishing Rules

The following classroom rules are few in number because if these are adhered to

consistently, additional rules should not be necessary.

 Respect others/Respect their property

Each student deserves to learn in a safe environment. Make sure you are not

preventing this opportunity for others.

 Raise your hand to speak

This supports respect in the classroom. I want to hear what each student has to

say, including you. Please allow this by waiting your turn to speak.

 Practice kindness

K-I-N-D is not a bad word. Kindness is sometimes difficult but should be the

norm. Try to see other points-of-view. Be gentle with another’s feelings.

 Cell phones are put away unless otherwise stated

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Occasionally we will use phones during a lesson. This will be the exception, not

the rule. So, keep them put away at all other times.

When Students Misbehave

I believe students misbehave for a number of reasons, but that it is my job to investigate

those reasons once rules and procedures have been established. I cannot expect the students to

know my expectations if I do not properly communicate them first. However, I also cannot

understand a misbehavior without open communication with each student. I will do my best to

work with students to find the best solutions for all involved in cases where problems arise.

Strategies for Minor Infractions

I anticipate more minor infractions than serious infractions. I believe in most cases

behavior should be managed in the classroom by the teacher. I do not expect perfection, so I will

allow for a reminder of the established rules before applying consequences for behavior. I

appreciate reminders and I will afford this to my students during class. Once I have reminded the

student, but the behavior continues, I will ask for an after-class private conversation to address

the situation. If a resolution cannot be reached, I will enlist parent assistance before referring to

the administrators for disciplinary action.

Strategies for Serious Behavior

Serious behaviors which violate school policies will have more swift consequences

involving the administration. I consider serious behavior to be that which threatens or harms the

safety of the classroom environment, including physical violence or any threat of physical

violence. Referral to the office will remove an out-of-control or belligerent student from the

classroom before the situation can escalate further.

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Communicating Rules

To Students

Communication is key to understanding. I will communicate classroom rules and

procedures at the beginning of the school year and allow for class discussion to ensure

understanding. I will post the four classroom rules on the wall and refer to them as needed

throughout the year. It will also be helpful to have the students sign an agreement to follow the

classroom rules and provide them with a written copy to take home.

To Parents and Administrators

Parents and administrators will also be provided a written copy of my classroom rules

and procedures. I will require parent signatures stating that the rules have been understood and

discussed with their child. In the case of needing parent input to their child’s misbehavior, I will

call them to explain the situation at hand. I will invite them to discuss with their child and

continue the teacher-parent conversation at a later date, to best support the needs of their child.

Classroom Procedures

Attendance Check

At the beginning of each class, students will need to be seated in their assigned seat by

the bell. To check attendance, I will ask students to let me know which of their neighbors is

absent. This will speed up the attendance-taking process and make them more aware of their

fellow students.

Student Absences

If a student has been absent on the previous day, it is their job to ask me for their

assignments due. These will be posted on the digital classroom, but for clarification and
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questions, they must seek me out. I will also have a folder containing any hard-copies of

assignments. Students will know where this folder is and be responsible for picking up the work.

Tardy Students

The first tardy will be forgiven. Subsequent tardiness will add up to losing participation

points. These will be discussed with the student individually.

Leaving the Room

Students must ask to leave the classroom. A bathroom pass will be required, and students

will need to sign in and out, including times.

End of Class Period

Students will wait to be excused once the bell rings. The bell does not dismiss the class.

Classroom Design
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Furniture

The layout of my classroom is designed to seat up to 36 students. I chose tables to seat

four students each to encourage group discussion. These are arranged to allow movement

between groups, but if necessary can also be easily slid together to form larger groups. Although

not obvious on the graphics, the chairs will have wheels to allow mobility for students during

group collaboration, or simply swiveling for a better view of the board. There are also two high-

top tables to the side of the classroom (by the windows), which are available for students who

may need to stand at times. A small sofa and floor rug are also provided for student use --

individually or as small groups -- during work sessions. The teacher desk is at the back of the

room with an easy view of all student tables. This desk placement will be helpful to view

potential classroom management issues, but also to see how students are working together and

whether or not they require any help. A file cabinet for supplies is also at the back of the room, in

addition to some book cases. The classroom printer will rest on top of the file cabinet. A table at

the front of the room will be used at times of direct instruction and for student presentations. This

is where the teacher computer will also be located.

Special Accommodations

Any students who require special accommodations should be comfortable in this room.

The tables will allow a wheelchair to fit conveniently in the place of a classroom chair. Also, the

aisles are wide enough for a wheelchair to navigate. For students who have difficulty staying in

one place for long, the high-top tables, sofa, and chairs on wheels allow options for mobility

without too much interruption.

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Wall Hangings

I have included a large white board at both the front of the classroom, as well as along

one of the side walls (opposite the windows). The front white board will be best viewed from all

angles of the classroom for teacher instruction. This is also where a screen will be mounted for

projections for both lessons and presentations. Both white boards will be helpful for student use

when they are given time to brainstorm or otherwise work in groups. Close to the teacher desk at

the back of the room, is a bulletin board. One of its uses will be for posting daily quotes of

inspiration. I will invite students to also post quotes here. A list of classroom rules will also be

posted at the front of the room.

Miscellaneous

I purposely chose short bookshelves, so they can also serve as a countertop. Here there

will be a place for students to turn in their assignments and a folder of extra papers for absent

students. Although not pictured, there will be two garbage cans and two recycling receptacles in

the room – one each by the teacher desk, as well as by the door at the front. If students do not

carry individual laptops or chrome books, there will be a docking station for a classroom set

beside the bookshelves. I plan to have light colored curtains on the windows to add a homey feel

to the room. Finally, I have a plant in the corner next to the sofa. This is also to help the space

feel comfortable and inviting.

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References

Classroom Discipline 101 Quotes by Craig Seganti. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/27330619-classroom-discipline-101-how-to-

get-control-of-any-classroom-no-matter

Konen, J. (2017, November 14). 6 Questions to Tackle in Managing Classroom Procedures.

Retrieved from https://www.teacher.org/daily/managing-classroom-procedures/