Arizona State UniversityTEL 311

Pierson 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Self-Introduction
Room Arrangement
Teacher Desk
Material Cabinets
Bookshelves
Homework Station
Teachers Locked Cabinet
Filing Cabinet
White Boards
Student Desks
Mounted Projector
Trash Cans
Bulletin Boards
Computer Station
Couch
Document Camera
Smartboard
Illustrations
Classroom Procedures
Beginning and End of Class
Transition Between Activities and Managing Student Work
Absences and Late Work
Grading Student Work and Communicating With Parents
Consideration of Diverse Learners
Rules and Consequences
Rules
Consequences
Summary

Pierson 2
Self-Introduction
My name is Kaitlyn Pierson and I am presently a student at ASU. In addition to being a
full-time student, I am currently completing an internship at Madison Meadows Middle School.
My education includes a Bachelors Degree in English, as well as an Associates Degree in Art,
and a valid certificate in Crisis Prevention Interventions. I have been an assistant site coordinator
for MAC after school programs for over three years, and will graduate with honors from ASU in
May 2017. Upon my graduation, I will be certified to teach English and Art in grades six through
twelve.
I became an educator because I want to influence the next generation of thinkers and
challenge young people to reflect in new ways. I teach because the principles and values I hold
dear will inspire others to become leaders, to become passionate about their lives, to be kind to
others, to learn new skills, and to grow as human beings. My enthusiasm for learning is
contagious and my excitement for art, language, and communication encourages others to
cultivate their own opportunities for development. Throughout my career, I will continue to grow
by employing diverse learning opportunities for students and by gaining knowledge from faculty
and administration.
Based on the research of Madeline Hunter, Dr. Fred Jones, Dr. Richard Lavoie, and Dr.
Harry Wong, it is my belief that all children should have the opportunity of receiving an
excellent education. Students are diverse and, as a result, each individual learns in a different
way and at a different pace. Ultimately, it is up to me to provide accommodations for students to
ensure that every child, regardless of race or ethnicity, English proficiency, learning disabilities
or giftedness, receives the best education available. Every child matters, and the reality of the
situation is that every student deserves an exceptional education.

Pierson 3
Room Arrangement
Introduction
Throughout this section, I will detail the comprehensive floor plan and design of my ideal
classroom. Based on the research of Dr. Fred Jones and Dr. Harry Wong, I have designed the
layout to serve a specific function of mobility and proximity. Additionally, each item has precise
reason for being placed in my classroom. Since I had no budget or size constraints, I was able to
imagine my classroom in a new way.
Teacher Desk
I placed my teacher desk in the back left corner of the room so that my desk would not
create a barrier in the classroom and allows me to remain in visual proximity to the students. The
position also allows me to see the entire class if I am at my desk. The large L shape allows me
to accommodate all the class materials I will need, and still have space to house all the materials
I will accumulate throughout the day.
Material Cabinets
I placed one large material cabinet and two smaller storage units in my classroom to hold
supplies such as highlighters, paper, tape, etc. that the students can use for several projects. These
cabinets are placed to the left of the student desks so that they are accessible during activities and
so students do not become distracted by someone getting supplies. Based on the work of Dr. Fred
Jones, the placement of these cabinets will not cause any barriers or restrict movement.
Bookshelves
I have one large bookshelf in my room, and four overhead book shelves by the homework
and student computer area. The shelves hold a variety of materials like newspapers, magazines,
and classic novels. The shelf closest to my desk also has a dedicated shelf that holds the inbox.
All students are required to submit their work to the inbox before class begins. The shelves are
placed to the left and backs of students so they can quickly access the resources, and are not in
the front where they could be distracting for other students.
Homework Station
There is a homework station located at the rear of the classroom. In this area, students
will have access to books, laptops, and workspace for homework. The area includes fifteen
workspaces, fifteen laptops, and also has a large student table nearby for group work. Since the

Pierson 4
location of the homework station is at the rear of the room, it does not create any barriers to my
mobility.
Teachers Locked Cabinet
The locked cabinet is behind my desk so I can maintain control of the materials located
inside the cabinet. The cabinet will contain items such as scissors and other sensitive materials
like tests and student grades. The cabinets will also serve as a safe area to lock up my personal
items, gradebook, and laptop.
Filing Cabinet
I have placed two file cabinets in my room, both are located near my desk. These cabinets
are four units high and lock to keep upcoming assignments, parent letters, reports, etc. The file
cabinets are located near my desk so I can maintain control of their contents and easily feed the
fish in my aquarium located on the top of the cabinets. As Dr. Fred Jones suggests, these cabinets
are far enough away from my desk so they do not impede my movement.
White Boards
I have placed four white boards in my classroom. The white boards are located in the
front of the classroom, and two are placed on each side of the SmartBoard. The placement allows
for notes and information to be easily viewed from anywhere in the classroom. The placement
also allows for student activities, games, and brainstorming. I also have individual white boards
for the students to use at designated times that are kept in the material cabinets.
Student Desks
I have placed eight-teen tables in my room instead of each student using a personal desk.
Each desk accommodates two students and each table faces the front of the room. Each table has
a hook one each end that allows students to hang their backpacks and other belongings. Since all
of the tables are adjustable, any of the tables can accommodate a student who needs a bigger
desk or more room for a wheel chair. The tables were selected so that any student can sit at any
table, regardless of disability. The layout forms an interior loop with generous walkways to allow
for easy access to any student at any time. According to Dr. Fred Jones, the arrangement allows
the teacher to remain mobile and allows students to get into groups for projects quickly and
easily.
Mounted Projector

Pierson 5
I have placed a mounted projector in the middle of the room that is attached to the ceiling
facing the Smart Board. The projector will be linked to my computer and document camera. The
projector will also be used for school announcements and the morning pledge of allegiance.
Trash Cans & Recycle Bins
In my classroom, I have placed one trash can and one recycle bin behind my desk for
easy access while working on lesson plans and class activities. I have also placed a trash can and
recycle bin near the door so students can access the trash and recycle bin easily.
Bulletin Boards
I have placed two bulletin boards in my room. Both are located on the right side of the
room and are easily visible to students. On the first bulletin board that is labeled Class Notices,
I will display class announcements, student work, and reminders for class. The second bulletin
board labeled School Announcements, I will display school announcements like upcoming
sporting events or contests.
Computer Station
There are several computer stations located throughout my classroom. One station is for
the teacher and is located at my desk so that students cannot access it. The second station
includes fifteen student laptops and a large work area with overhead book shelves. The area will
also be used as a homework station. Since much of my class involves technology, students will
frequently use this area in rotations and group work.
Couch
I have placed two flame retardant couches near the bookshelves and computer stations in
the back of the classroom. The area will be reserved for students who have excelled during the
week to use for quiet work or reading time. In accordance with Dr. Fred Jones, the couches are
placed to the corner so that they do not impede my mobility or proximity.
Document Camera
On my desk, I have placed a document camera so I can model how to take specific notes
and define part of the text I want students to focus on. The safe location on my desk insures that
the expensive device remains functional.
SmartBoard

Pierson 6
My SmartBoard is located in the front of the classroom and connected to my computer,
the document camera, and the mounted projector. It will be used for lectures, videos, and school
announcements.
Section Summary
Overall, I have integrated the knowledge of Dr. Fred Jones to arrange my classroom in
the most effective way. I have organized my room to minimize distractions and maximize
mobility and proximity. The decorations will be simple and uncluttered, but enough to keep the
students interested in the subject and spark creativity. Although I may change minor aspects of
my classroom in the future, the layout and arrangement will always maximize proximity and
mobility.
Illustrations

Pierson 7

Classroom Procedures
Beginning and End of Class
Based on the research of Dr. Harry Wong and Dr. Fred Jones, I will set up and teach my
procedures according to specific guidelines. At the beginning of each class, my students will wait
outside the door in an orderly line. I will greet them at the door and instruct them to enter the
classroom. This procedural norm will allow me to build relationships with students and will give
me time to set up papers or materials they will need for the day. Initially, when the students come
into class, there will be bell work posted on the SmartBoard for them to complete will I take
attendance. Similarly, at the end of class, students will complete a closure activity using active
participation and I will remind them of upcoming due dates. Students will also understand that I
decide when it is time to pack up, and I will dismiss them - not the bell.
Transition Between Activities and Managing Student Work

Pierson 8
To eliminate unused time, I will manage activities and transitions between activities with
the use of a timer. When the timer goes off, students will know to pause their work and look to
me for further instruction. I will also use the auditory signal Ladies and Gentlemen eyes up
here to gain their attention. To effectively manage student work, I will place the inbox near
the door so students can turn in their work as they enter. On the same table, there will be
materials and papers the students will need for the days lesson. Students will be taught to collect
these materials as they enter class. Once homework is collected in the inbox, I will place each
class periods work in their class period folder. As per Dr. Fred Jones, I will grade work in a
timely fashion. Essays will be handed back within one week, and tests, quizzes, and homework
will be handed back the next day. When students turn in work, they will also write their names
on the back of their papers so I can hand them back easily and anonymously.
Absences and Late Work
As Dr. Harry Wong suggests, if a student is absent they should have the same amount of
days they were absent to make up the work. To avoid losing instructional time, students will be
taught to pick up materials and papers they missed in class from the absent bin located in the
back of the classroom. Late work is not accepted, but students will have the opportunity to get
assignments to me by the end of the day either through email or leaving documents in the office
for me.
Grading Student Work and Communicating with Parents
Assignments, quizzes, and tests will be graded and returned on the next school day. Short
answers will take two to three days and essays may take up to a week to grade. As each
assignment is graded, I will enter the grade into computerized grade book to ensure parents and
students have the most up to date information possible. When communicating with parents, I will
be polite, humble, and professional. If a parent calls and leaves a message, I will call them back
by the end of the day. Since I mostly use email to stay connected with parents, I will send out
newsletter each semester to keep parents informed. Additionally, when a student does something
extraordinary in my class, I plan to call their parents and congratulate the student to reinforce the
behavior.
Consideration of Diverse Learners

Pierson 9
When considering diverse learners, Dr. Richard Lavoie suggests that procedures be easy
to follow with explicit instructions. So ensure I meet the needs of all students, I will have posters
displayed throughout the classroom that serve as reminders of my procedures. All 504 plans and
IEPs will be followed to guarantee I am providing the best instruction for my students. Further, I
will teach and not tell these procedures. As such, procedures will not carry penalties if followed
incorrectly. Procedures will simply be retaught until the students know what is expected of them.
Since I explain and rehearse the procedures at the beginning of the year, students will be exposed
to my expectations. However, throughout the year I will reinforce the procedures to ensure that
students received the benefits of a well-structured classroom.
Rules and Consequences
Based on the information presented by Dr. Harry Wong, Madeline Hunter, and Dr.
Richard Lavoie, my classroom will have five specific and easy to follow rules for the students.
These rules will benefit the students and the teacher in creating a respectful and safe learning
environment. The five rules will be taught to students beginning on the first day of school, and
will be enforced and reinforced every day of class. Additionally, the rules and consequences will
be posted for students above the white board in my classroom. Since I am deeply passionate
about respect, my rules and consequences reflect the importance in my classroom. Everyone in
my classroom benefits from respect, and as a result students can feel safe and can fully engage in
the material.
Classroom Rules:
1. Only one person speaks at a time - always using school appropriate language.
2. Students will remain seated at all times unless otherwise instructed by the teacher.
3. Students will keep cell phone turned off in their backpacks unless otherwise directed by
the teacher.
4. Students will respect the ideas and opinions of others.
5. Students will be dismissed when the teacher says Have a great day!
Consequences:
Consequences for breaking the rules will follow due process. Consequences will be
consistent, enforceable, and easy to understand. The consequences apply to classroom rules and

Pierson 10
follow school and district guidelines. Consequences will also take into consideration the needs of
diverse learners and students with exceptional needs.
1.
2.
3.
4.

First Offense- Warning/Conference

Second Offense- Detention
Third Offense- Call to guardian
Four Offense- Administrative Referral

***Despite due process, the teacher reserves the right to skip steps based on the severity of the

violation.
Summary
After researching the work of Dr. Harry Wong, Dr. Richard Lavoie, Dr. Fred Jones, and
Madeline Hunter, I have formulated a classroom management plan that I will implement when I
start teaching. By establishing classroom procedures and rules, I can guarantee that students will
be able to manage their time and behavior to be successful. My classroom is arranged in a way
that allows me to maintain mobility and proximity to students, and promotes student interaction
during the learning process. Throughout this process, I have learned the importance of students
taking charge of their learning, creating a safe learning environment, and creating activities that
students will be successful at. As a future educator, it is my responsibility to provide these
opportunities for students. By creating an atmosphere where students can succeed and feel safe, I
will be successful as an educator.