Our classroom culture

"How do I create a classroom culture that supports all the things I value as a classroom teacher?

This inquiry led me to revisit my mission statement that I created years ago. I remember my professor telling me that once written, it should not be laminated and put on the wall only to be forgotten; instead, he encouraged me to look at it as a living and breathing document that needs to be tweaked every now and then in order to keep it authentic, significant, and relevant.

My old mission statement was as follows:

I will strive to be an educator who recognizes the differing needs of the 21st century learner, who creates meaningful, differentiated and engaging experiences to hone their critical thinking and communication skills. I will nourish their sense of curiosity, value their trust, and cherish their laughter as I aim to equip them with a solid sense of self. I will encourage them to use technological tools and a variety of learning strategies which will help them cope with our increasingly complex and demanding lives. I will show my students, through various ways, the importance of being open-minded, empathetic, and tolerant citizens of the world in order to become ethical and proactive citizens of the future." 

I created my mission statement with the invaluable support of my school community. Recognizing the significance of diverse perspectives, I sought feedback from my colleagues, PYP coordinator, and principal, drawing upon their insightful knowledge of me as an educator. However, upon reflection, I realized that one essential component of my community was inadvertently overlooked – my students!

Source: www.Ibo.org "Pedagogy and Design"

In the spirit of inclusivity and collaboration, I am committed to actively involving my students in the development and refinement of my mission statement. By valuing their unique insights and counting on their honesty, I will strive to create a classroom culture that embraces their voices, aspirations, and needs. With their support, I will shape an authentic, significant, and relevant mission that reflects our shared values and fosters a thriving learning environment."

This is what I have come up with after chatting with my students and takiing their feedback.

"I am committed to empowering 21st century learners by tailoring their educational experiences to meet their unique needs. I will create transformative, captivating, and personalized learning opportunities that foster critical thinking and effective communication skills. Nurturing their boundless curiosity, I will earn their trust and cherish their laughter while instilling in them a strong sense of self. Through the creation of a secure and harmonious environment, students will fearlessly explore their identities, understanding that mistakes serve as catalysts for growth. They will embrace the values of open-mindedness, empathy, and tolerance, becoming exemplary global citizens who actively shape a responsible and ethical future."

Thanks for reading!