One of the highest expectations is to be respectful

On my classroom door there’s a sign. It reads: “In my room I want you to feel empowered, connected, respected, valued, challenged and supported. How am I doing?”

Early on I direct the kids’ attention to it, discuss it, and revisit it. But as time gets on, I let it be. I no longer want to bring attention to it; I no longer talk it. I strive to walk it, to embed it, to live it. It is the culture I wish to create in my room.

It is the standard that I set for myself as the leader in our classroom community. And as that leader, if I am not living up to my own standard, then I want the kids to let m...