Philosophy of Classroom Management

Although my experience in the school systems is limited and my classroom management

philosophy will be forever developing; based off a combination of theorists and observing

teachers in the work place with years of experience I am able to begin developing my classroom

philosophy. My classroom management philosophy involves creating a classroom environment

which allows students to learn in a safe and positive manner while enforcing firm but fair

policies. I believe that students learn best when they can rely on the teacher to ensure that rules

and routines are put in place and that there is some form of consistency from day to day.

Students should see their teacher as an authoritative member of the school staff; however, they

should not be intimidated to voice their own ideas and opinions, when appropriate. Although it is

important for the leader of the classroom to be the teacher, I believe that through some aspects of

cooperative learning, a mutual respect between students and their teacher will be created. The

following essay will exemplify my classroom management philosophy through the combination

of Linda Albert, Ronald Morrish, and William Glasser theories.

Firstly, Glasser’s understanding of students is that they are genetically predisposed to

making decisions based off of five ‘needs’. These five needs consist of survival, love and

belonging, power, freedom and fun. Relating these ‘needs’ to the classroom; a student should not

feel threatened or in physical danger when entering the classroom. Students need a sense of

connection and this is fulfilled through the love and belonging given by the teacher. Students

should feel empowered to work cooperatively within their environment. Furthermore, students

should have a sense of freedom when it comes to learning, and should be presented with choice

regularly. Finally, the students need to have fun not only at home but in the schools and in the

classroom. I believe that when a classroom can ensure these needs are met, students will fell as
though they are in a safe and positive learning environment. When a classroom and its’ teacher

have provided students with a safe and positive learning environment students will be less likely

to feel the need to misbehave as their desires have all been met.

To ensure a positive learning environment, it is the teacher’s responsibilities to engage

their pupils in several teaching methods as well as managing their class through implementing

certain classroom rules and procedures. Glasser and Morrish believe in two different

management theories when it comes to the teacher’s role within the classroom. Glasser believes

teachers should be viewed as leaders who influence students through modeling themselves

responsibly and doing high quality work. Whereas, Morrish believes teachers should be more

equivalent to a manager of a business. He alludes to his opinion that classroom management

alone will not give you the type of students you want but to achieve respectful and cooperative

students, discipline is needed to guide them. Therefore, Morrish believes that teachers should be

stricter than in Glasser’s teacher model. I believe for optimal classroom management the teacher

should combine both of their theories and should be a teacher that is both a leader and role

model, as well as a manager. A key part of combining these two ideal teachers is finding the

balance and knowing which version of the teacher is appropriate in different situations.

In Glasser’s Choice Theory he suggests motivation is the most important factor in

learning. Teachers should be leading students through problem-solving activities by modeling

proper behaviour and, through positive reinforcement, the student would strive to be like their

teacher. I agree that by promoting positive behaviours and reinforcing them when appropriate

will lead to positive outcomes. However, I realize that every student is unique and has different

needs, thus I know that positive reinforcement will not work for everyone. In the cases where

behaviour becomes an issue is the perfect example for implementing Morrish’s manager teacher.
 When it comes to discipline in the classroom, I believe that firm and fair policies are

important. It is ideal to ensure that the teacher is the clear authoritative figure and has the final

say in the consequences regardless of the issue. However, it is also important to listen to the

students and recognize the reasons why they are misbehaving. For inspiration on incorporating

cooperative discipline I look towards Linda Albert as her theory involves the teacher reaching

out and using their positive rapport with students and parents to achieve change in student

behaviour. It is important to maintain a good relationship with parents and keep them up to date

with their child’s behaviour in class as students need consistency in their lives. A teacher cannot

expect to make a difference in a student’s behaviour if the positive behaviour is not enforced at

home too. I believe that the teacher should have the final say in deciding consequences; however,

their decisions should also be supported by the parents. Therefore, cooperation with parents is a

key concept teachers must keep in mind and I will incorporate in my practices. My classroom

philosophy involves the teacher building respect with their students through providing a positive

and safe learning environment. I expect to maintain this positive rapport with the students by

presenting my rules and policies in a firm but fair manner. In order to provide students with

consistency within their life both in and out of the classroom, it will be expected that I keep in

contact with parents and ensure that they realize their role in being a part of creating the

classroom environment.

I accept the fact that my personal classroom management philosophy is not perfect;

however, I believe that with the aid of Linda Albert, Ronald Morrish, and William Glasser I have

built a strong foundation I can implement in the classroom. I also know that my classroom

management philosophy will always be developing throughout my career. Every year of teaching
will present new challenges and new ideals that, as a teacher, I will have to evolve to meet the

students’ needs which will entail further development of this philosophy.

 References

Albert, L. (2005) Building Classroom Discipline. 199- 217.

Ronald Morrish. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.realdiscipline.com/

William Glasser Institute, (n.d.). Teaching the World Choice Theory. Retrieved from

http://wglasser.com/our-approach/choice-theory/