Students become comfortable with established routines and the familiarity of their own classroom teacher. The absence of their regular teacher can disrupt everything to which the students are accustomed. This is especially evident when the arrival of an occasional teacher is unexpected. Students need to feel welcome and comfortable in their own classroom and to have as much continuity as possible in their everyday activities.
How do I create a positive learning environment and establish a respectful relationship with the class?
Successful occasional teachers have compiled the following tips for creating a positive learning environment:
- Greet students at the door.
- Smile.
- Introduce yourself.
- Tell the students something about yourself.
- Explain why you are there.
- Allow students an opportunity to introduce themselves or each other.
- Allow students to take ownership of their classroom by asking them to explain the established rules and routines.
- Try to adhere to these rules and routines as closely as possible.
- If a temporary rule or routine is required provide the students with a reason for its need; record it on the board as a reminder.
- Treat each student with respect and dignity; it will be returned to you.
- Call each student by name (use name tags or cards).
- Be an active, attentive listener.
- Be fair and consistent.
- Maintain a confident composure.
- Encourage appropriate behaviour by acknowledging it.
- Do an icebreaker activity.
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ETFO invites 60 women members to register for a one-day workshop on November 26 that will take members through play-based activities from the First Nations, Metis and Inuit Education Resource: Engaging Learners Through Play while engaging in learning and dialogue about Indigenous worldviews, treaties, residential schools and leadership. Release time, travel, double accommodation (as required), dependent care and meals will be provided to members who are traveling from greater distances outside the GTA. There is a $25 registration fee. The deadline to apply is October 29, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. For more information or to apply, please visit the ETFO Events Management System at https://events.etfo.org/upcoming-events/ .
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Save the date for our upcoming PD Event scheduled for October 30th at the BMO Centre from 4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. An email will be sent to all members with accounts on the ETFO-TVOT website advising when registration will be open and a description of the 3 workshops being offered.
To create your account if you haven't already got one, go to: www.etfotvot.com and go to
"Create and Account". We remind you to please use your personal email address when creating your account as it is inappropriate to use the Board's email system for Union business nor is it private.
