Date Created: April 17th, 2017

Date Submitted: Spring 2017

Title of Artifact: Teagle Essay
New Jersey Professional Standards for Teachers: Standard Three Learning Environments

I am placing my artifact, Teagle Essay, under Standard Three Learning Environments as

evidence of continued mastery towards establishing an encouraging and supportive learning
environment for all students. This essay shows examples of positive learning environments
through discussion of appropriate student behavior characteristics. Having the opportunity to
examine these difficulties and solutions of student behavior within an educational setting has
been beneficial to help me gain a greater understanding of creating collaborative and socially
interactive environments. Due to this reflection, I recognize that through positive learning
atmospheres students are more self-motivated and actively engaged in their own education.

References:
New Jersey Professional Standards for Teachers. (2014, August 4). Retrieved from
http://www.state.nj.us/education/code/current/title6a/chap9.pdf
 Teagle Scholars Essay

Victoria Elacqua

Throughout my time spent observing I wanted to evaluate an issue which was a main

focus for the school this specific year. Prior to completing my observations I spent time reading

and looking over their website to see what information could be found on their main goals for the

2016 and 2017 school year. The second objective for this year on their list was to increase

positive student behavior. After observing for a few months, I could understand why this was a

goal of the schools because there were multiple cases of students being suspended for

unacceptable acts of behavior. The main goal of this objective was to decrease student and

whole-school tardiness, decrease teasing/bullying and increase positive behaviors through

incentive activities. Every Friday at this school they spent time acknowledging students for on-

time attendance, completed homework and assignments and correct/kind behavior. I left an

impact on this issue through talking with students to listen and understand them and through

reiterating their school acronym R.O.A.R and how it symbolized the pillars of character. In this

school they used this acronym to stand for Responsibility, Own your choices, Always be Safe,

and Respect. By using these terms, it allowed students to have a greater understanding of

building and maintaining strong morals.

During my time spent observing at this school there were changes made to their pillars of

character due to there being so many issues with students negative behavior towards one another

or school in general. With this change it forced students to go over the new acronym and its

meaning with their teachers, classmates and family members. By observing these students within

their educational environment, I was able to witness first-hand how certain students may act out

and what the necessary and effective processes are to handle these circumstances. I grew a
greater understanding of what gets students attention and what is acceptable verses unacceptable

behavior within the classroom setting.

Through my coursework and observations, I have been able to establish a more well-put

together perspective on what works and what does not when it comes to the issue of negative

behavior. I was able to meet the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) they had hired for

this school year. By having this opportunity to meet him I was able to discuss and discover more

information on this behavior issue the school was struggling with and different activities and

techniques to get the problem under control. There were many students who were careless when

it came to cleaning up after lunch which was also a major behavioral issue. But, through hiring

the BCBA and initiating new pillars of character there was an increase in the motivation of

students behavior and care for the environment. I recognized that by immersing students more in

their own responsibilities and consequences it helped them to realize that their actions, whether

positive or negative, can have many different impacts. Students were more able to acknowledge

and analyze the possible outcomes of their behaviors.

This problem seems to be inevitable in any school environment, there will always be

students to act-up or engage in negative behaviors. Although, this does not mean there should be

no action taken to prevent these negative behaviors from occurring. I see this issue as a great way

for schools and teachers to build upon students morals and general mental well-being. By

having a system within a school that teachers, students and staff members can aim towards, helps

to establish a strong and healthy environment for each individual. Every scenario is different

therefore, by trying to understand one another and the specific situation it helps to dissolve issues

or complications in a collective manner.

 As a pre-service teacher I am committed to establishing a strong, welcoming and

comfortable environment for each student, therefore this issue is crucial for myself. I feel as if

there are many different problems that can stem from having negative behavior issues within a

school or classroom and building a strong foundation is truly the number one preventative

measure. It will be my mission to have demonstrate positive behaviors inside and outside the

classroom to encourage my students. I will accomplish this by hosting motivational/inspirational

meetings after school. This would help students to feel unity and inspire them to do better for

themselves and others. I would also attend classes to gain a greater understanding of different

methods and techniques to prevent and deal with negative behaviors. This would not only help

my teaching but would allow me to meet other educators with like-minded mentalities. Another

commitment or action I would take would be to remain active within my community. Standing

up for others who may have been treaty unjustly or simply helping others who need assistance.

By being an active member of the community it will demonstrate and leave a positive impact on

my students and other co-workers.