Being A Teacher Means...

I have been in school for about 21 years now(counting preschool). I have witnessed what I consider to be a fantastic teacher and what I consider to be a crap teacher. I intend to share with you what my classroom will be like and what I will expect of my students.

What my High School English classroom will be like:

The Homework:
- I will have a weekly homework guide that I give out to students every Monday. They will be expected to hand in the homework the following Monday. My goal is they will have no more than 30 minutes of homework a day(M-F)

-The only homework they will have on the weekends is reading.

-They have to post on their blog every week. I will give them a blog prompt that will be on their weekly assignment schedule. I will read a journal entry a day to the class.

Projects:
-I will  always give my students the option to do their classroom projects individually or collaboratively.

Quizzes and Tests:
-They will have a quiz every week which will replace any need for a major exam or test throughout the year. (Ideally, depending on the school district and the political administration, I will not be giving out any tests, just one quiz a week)

The Classroom Environment:
-There will always be a full fruit basket in class everyday. Anyone can help themselves. (May cost a little on my part, but is SO WORTH IT!)

-There will always be a reading corner with fluffy pillows and books.

-Every student signs up to lead a five minute exercise routine at the beginning of class(may sound idealistic but one of my professors does it, and it's wonderful)

-My class will have a "Safe Zone" flag,

- My class will have a facebook page.

- If someone in the class is dyslexic or struggles looking at their paper, then at the board, then writing, and then has to listen to me at the same time, they will not have to write notes. I will photocopy one of their peer-buddy's notes, so they can just listen. All disabilities will have practical considerations.

I definitely have more, and my list grows as my education grows but I like writing my ideas down so that I never lose sight of the educator I hope to be. I will continue to add to this list. Also, please give me some of your ideas, it will make me a better teacher.