Brooke Wolbeck

Trina Zimmerman

Student Teaching

January 20, 2019

Written Assignment #2
Positive Expectations and Helping Students Succeed

Effective teachers communicate to students that-

-Smart is not something you are. Smart is something you get.
-You can do the work we do. I will not give up on you.

You can help students internalize the above statements by giving students high expectations.

You should give your students more than they expect. You should provide positive expectations.

Some examples of positive expectations are: “What we achieve comes from how we work

together.” “I believe that every child can learn and will achieve to his or her fullest potential”.

The text tells us that teacher expectations affects how little or much a student learns. You will

receive greater student academic performance when you set and communicate high expectations

to all of your students.

Students may face the barrier of, “I am not smart enough”. Students need to know that they are

capable. Students need to know that you are there to provide instruction based on their needs.

You as a teacher, are a constant learner and researcher. You are learning best teaching practices,

researching curriculum, fostering creativity, and striving to be innovative. Students may also face

the barrier of “I will not be successful because of my family background, race, etc.” The text tells

us that there is no research correlation between success and family background, race, national

origin, financial status, or even educational accomplishments. Attitude is the one correlation with

success. Teachers must always carry a positive attitude. Teachers must also teach their students
and their families about positive attitude. Students will achieve the most when the students, the

parents, and the teacher all possess a positive attitude.

I observed my cooperative teacher closely for her communication with students. I observed

multiple inviting verbal comments. She says, “Good Morning and Good Afternoon” to all

students every single day. She will ask how she can help students during work periods

throughout the day. My cooperative teacher also wears a smile and carries a high energy

throughout the school day. She utilizes active participation and encourages students to make

mistakes. She reminds students that making mistakes is a part of the learning process. My

teacher has created an inviting physical environment. She has a welcome sign on the classroom

door. She has clean walls filled with student work and organized anchor charts. She keeps her

room cleaned, organized, and prepared for students.

As a new teacher I must realize that I must make a statement of dignity to myself and the

teacher profession when I acknowledge and accept that I make a difference. I must take

responsibility for myself. As a professional educator, I must know my colleagues. Listening to

colleagues will help me enhance the lives of students. Listening will help me have a happy future

as a professional educator. Listening to students, administrators, students’ families, and

colleagues is crucial. Creating a community within the school and in your classroom will give

students the best chance at excelling and reaching their goals.