This standard makes sense as the first standard in that it is essentially all encompassing. If you have a classroom where students are valued and cared for then your students are safe, engaged, and learning. To carry out this standard well, requires a connection with students that makes it possible to know students needs and helps students overcome obstacles to their success. This connection takes time as does the application of it in order to have a meaningful impact on students. This means that in my class I must continually work to develop connections with my class and also continually advocate for their interests and safety. It also means that you are actively working with students to support their learning and success in class. Teachers should celebrate the success of every student and work to help them achieve it. A pitfall to avoid is the lowering of expectations in order to achieve success. It is important to develop goals that are attainable with students using the connection you have with them to create goals that are within reach but still push them to continue to grow and develop new skills and ideas. In my teaching I fulfill this standard by circulating around the class and making sure to engage in conversation and check in with every student. I found this standard important as I observed how my students reacted to me. Students pay close attention to the actions I take when I’m teaching and they notice when I take genuine interest in each student and they know if I’m being thoughtful. This means that not only do students watch when I interact but that when I show care they understand if I’m being genuine. I must uphold this standard in order to create a space where my students know they are safe to engage with the lessons I provide. My students will engage more with questions and opinions when they know that I value their ideas. This was clear during my practicum and is something I hope to create in every class I’m in. I want students to see that they can engage with material and apply their ideas.
