After observing and teaching in a variety of classroom settings over the course of my graduate studies, I have concluded that good teaching depends on three things: mastery of the subject, a keen understanding of how children learn, and an ability to maintain a disciplined
yet positive learning environment.
While we know that a balance is important, that young people want to be supported and that they want to feel connected to their school and to their teacher, there's much more that needs to be understood about this and we can do this both through administering questionnaires but probably better
yet actually talking to teachers and young people and asking them specifically, in specific schools, in specific neighbourhoods: «What would make for a better relationship and a better
environment where you would want to spend time,
learn and also
learn some good,
positive behaviour skills?»
Principal Amy is the first to admit that the instruction and collaborative practices are not as strong
yet as she had hoped that they would be but she does feel that she has led and contributed to a stronger, more
positive learning environment for students.