The most important role a teacher plays in the classroom

The most important role I have seen in my work as an aide in the classroom, in my classroom observations, and in seeing my daughter through her 1st year of teaching is CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT.  It takes a lot of learning, education, and experience to direct and manage a classroom of 20-30 students.

 First, organizing your classroom setting is important in creating the best learning environment for the students. Making the best use of space can also be challenging but necessary. Finding space for a reading area, a learning area where the desks are set up, a small group teaching area, and an area for the teacher and her desk. Add to that space for books, technology, classroom supplies, and teacher necessities.

Second, testing, record keeping, and lesson planning are crucial to tracking progress and the how's and what's of teaching so that the students are learning in the best way to meet their needs. I know in my observations in both the Kindergarten and 5th grade classrooms, that there is always a measure of learning going on. From one on one to the classroom as a whole I have seen the teachers having kids pulled for one on one testing, or finishing of assignments. I've seen a number of quizzes given to assure that the students are retaining what they just learned about.

 Finally, managing the personalities and behaviors of each student to create a learning environment that can benefit each one. What may work one week, or day, may not work the next, so constantly recognizing what is working and what is not is very important to the teacher so that changes can occur when needed. I've already seen the Kindergarten teacher change out her discipline ideas as soon as they stop working. She has shown a lot of experience in making sure that if one thing stops working, she changes it up. I like that because it keeps the students on their toes in acting appropriately at school. Another thing I notice in Kindergarten is repetition of actions like walking quietly in the halls. When the class starts to lapse in remembering this, the teacher will revisit this action with repeating what needs to happen and even more practicing so the children remember what is acceptable at school. ORDER IS CRUCIAL when trying to direct and teach 20-30 students.