Welcome to Ms. Andrades Class!

A new school year has begun and I am so unbelievably excited to get to

know all of the students this upcoming year. In order to allow your student a
successful transition into the new school year, I have decided to inform you
about everything of immediate importance in the classroom.
Classroom Arrangement
I personally favor the U-Shaped desk
arrangement due to all of the positive
outcomes that it provides. Since the
classroom is discussion based, interaction is
necessary for the class to run smoothly. By
having the students all facing one another,
they will be able to comfortably converse
with their peers as well as stay engaged
during the class. In addition to this, the students will be more likely to stray
away from disruptive behavior since all of the desks are in sight of myself while
I am teaching throughout the day. Overall, this seating arrangement creates a
welcoming student-centered classroom which allows the students to
appropriately engage with one another while staying on task.
Classroom Expectations
1. Be respectful to your teacher, your peers and yourself

-Being respectful is fully necessary to keep a positive environment. When

the teacher or a peer is speaking, everyone should be quiet and listening.
2. Be the best version of yourself
-You are all amazing individuals, so prove it! Be the version of you that
makes yourself and others proud.
3. Follow directions when given
-Directions are given for your benefit. When directions are being given,
listen fully and ask questions after if needed.
4. Be engaged
-If you have any questions or want to say something, then do it! The best
way for me to gauge your understanding is for you to fully participate in
the classroom.
5. Create a positive environment
-Negativity within the classroom will only minimize the level of motivation.
By creating a positive environment, we will all remain motivated to
actively learn throughout the class.
Classroom Rules
1. Be on time to class
-When the final bell rings, all students should be seated.
2. Be prepared for class
-Bring all necessary materials needed for that school day.
3. Turn off cell phones and other electronic devices
-Cell phones and other disruptive electronic devices should be turned off
and placed out of sight.
4. Do not cheat (also includes plagiarism and copying work)
-Cheating of any kind is completely unacceptable and consequences will
be given.
5. Use appropriate language

-Disrespectful language will not be tolerated within the classroom. This

includes but is not limited to comments regarding race, gender, sexual
orientation, religion, etc.
Teaching Philosophy
My teaching philosophy revolves around the concept of student growth
and independence. I hope to create an environment in my classroom that
shows the students that I am here to be a mentor and helping hand in allowing
them to be independent individuals who strive to take control of their learning.
Due to these beliefs, I personally have a generally casual classroom. The
students are able to speak their minds freely without judgement. If a student
misbehaves in the classroom, I dont resort to strict punishment. I will have
conversations with the student to see if they can understand what the problem
is that they are creating. I believe that this is how a student grows: by taking
responsibility for ones own actions. If the misbehavior continues then that will
be when I become stricter and talk about outside sources for consequences
such as calling home or speaking to a Dean. I tend to have open dialogue with
students with behavior issues in hopes that this shows I have faith in their
maturity level but at the same time I will do what is necessary to stay in control
of my classroom.
Learning Theories Utilized in the Classroom
In my classroom, I focus on two main learning theories: Cognitive
Constructivism and Social Constructivism. By utilizing the Cognitive
Constructivism theory within the classroom I am focusing on the developmental
processes that assist a student in learning knowledge. I believe that learning
involves the student to create meanings for things on their own in order to use
higher order critical thinking skills. One example of how I do this is by having
the students reflect on activities or concepts discussed in the classroom in
order to allow them to come up with their own conclusions. It takes a certain
level of maturity to use this theory but this is the ultimate goal that all students

tend to work toward. In order to assist in this end goal, I also use Social
Constructivism in the classroom. This focuses on the idea that learning is
affected by the social environment that the student is in. This is why I do
everything in my power to keep the classroom environment as positive as
possible. Students learn based off of what they see and how they live their daily
lives. By setting goals and having the students record their reflections, they will
be able to see the growth that occurs as well as acknowledge what is
influencing their learning. I believe that these two theories work together very
well since they both focus on critical thinking skills as well as reflection as a
process involved in active learning.
I am thrilled to see how this school year turns out. If there are any questions,
comments or concerns regarding ANYTHING, please feel free to contact me!
Cant wait to start the new school year!
Ms. Andrade
Email: Sca13b@my.fsu.edu
Belleview High School #: (352) 555-4321