NAME: Kendra Rainey TARGETED GRADE LEVEL: 9th-12th
For your final project, thoroughly and thoughtfully complete each section of the template. The
completed project should be between 3-5 pages. Please note that the Works Cited page is not included in
the page count.
Formatting Requirements:
● Font: Times New Roman
● Font Size: 12-point
● Spacing: 1.5 or Double-spaced
● Margins: 1 inch on all sides
Be sure to respond to all questions provided in the template. Your responses should be thoughtful,
well-organized, and demonstrate a clear understanding of the content.
Part A: Explain your vision for your target learning environment
1. How do you create and maintain a mutually respectful and collaborative class of actively
engaged learners? Choose 3 to 5 research-based strategies to explain how you will create and
maintain a respectful and collaborative class of engaged learners. Include how your vision
responds to student needs and incorporates student strengths and personal experiences. You must
use research to support your selection of these strategies and identify and explain the research.
Creating and Maintaining a Respectful and Collaborative Class of
Engaged Learners
My vision for the classroom is to create an environment that is structured, respectful, collaborative, and
engaging for all learners. I believe students thrive best when expectations are clear, relationships are
strong, and students feel emotionally and physically safe in the classroom. As a DAEP and Business
teacher, I work with students from diverse backgrounds, including students who may have experienced
academic struggles, behavioral concerns, trauma, or social-emotional challenges. Therefore, it is
essential that my classroom environment promotes both accountability and encouragement.
One research-based strategy I will use is Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS).
PBIS focuses on reinforcing positive behavior rather than only punishing negative behavior. According
to Sugai and Horner (2002), PBIS helps improve student behavior, classroom climate, and academic
achievement by creating clear expectations and rewarding positive actions. In my classroom, students
will receive verbal praise, incentives, and recognition for meeting expectations, demonstrating
leadership, and showing growth.
, A second strategy is Collaborative Learning. Johnson and Johnson (1999) found that collaborative
learning increases student engagement, communication skills, and academic performance. I will use
group projects, peer discussions, and business simulations to encourage teamwork and student
interaction. Students will learn how to respectfully communicate with others while building leadership
and problem-solving skills.
A third strategy is Culturally Responsive Teaching. Gay (2010) explains that culturally responsive
teaching connects student experiences and cultural backgrounds to instruction. I will incorporate
real-world business examples, student experiences, and current events that reflect the lives and interests
of my students. This approach helps students feel valued and increases classroom participation.
A fourth strategy is Restorative Practices. Restorative practices focus on repairing harm and restoring
relationships rather than relying solely on punishment. According to Morrison and Vaandering (2012),
restorative practices improve relationships and reduce conflict within schools. I will implement
restorative conversations and reflection opportunities to help students understand the impact of their
actions and rebuild trust.
Finally, I will use Student Choice and Voice. Giving students opportunities to make choices in
assignments, discussions, and projects increases engagement and motivation. Research by Deci and
Ryan (2000) found that autonomy supports student motivation and ownership of learning. Students in
my classroom will have opportunities to express themselves creatively through presentations, business
pitches, and project-based learning activities.
These strategies support student needs by promoting safety, inclusion, accountability, and engagement
while also recognizing student strengths, personal experiences, and cultural backgrounds.
2. What strategies will you use to build relationships with students? Include at least 3
strategies. Use research to support your selection of these strategies and identify and explain the
research.
Strategies to Build Relationships with Students
Building strong relationships with students is essential for creating a positive and productive learning
environment. Students are more likely to succeed academically and behaviorally when they feel
respected, supported, and understood by their teacher.
The first strategy I will use is consistent communication and check-ins. Greeting students at the door,
asking about their day, and checking on their emotional well-being helps students feel seen and valued.
Research by Pianta (1999) shows that positive teacher-student relationships increase student motivation
and reduce behavioral problems.
For your final project, thoroughly and thoughtfully complete each section of the template. The
completed project should be between 3-5 pages. Please note that the Works Cited page is not included in
the page count.
Formatting Requirements:
● Font: Times New Roman
● Font Size: 12-point
● Spacing: 1.5 or Double-spaced
● Margins: 1 inch on all sides
Be sure to respond to all questions provided in the template. Your responses should be thoughtful,
well-organized, and demonstrate a clear understanding of the content.
Part A: Explain your vision for your target learning environment
1. How do you create and maintain a mutually respectful and collaborative class of actively
engaged learners? Choose 3 to 5 research-based strategies to explain how you will create and
maintain a respectful and collaborative class of engaged learners. Include how your vision
responds to student needs and incorporates student strengths and personal experiences. You must
use research to support your selection of these strategies and identify and explain the research.
Creating and Maintaining a Respectful and Collaborative Class of
Engaged Learners
My vision for the classroom is to create an environment that is structured, respectful, collaborative, and
engaging for all learners. I believe students thrive best when expectations are clear, relationships are
strong, and students feel emotionally and physically safe in the classroom. As a DAEP and Business
teacher, I work with students from diverse backgrounds, including students who may have experienced
academic struggles, behavioral concerns, trauma, or social-emotional challenges. Therefore, it is
essential that my classroom environment promotes both accountability and encouragement.
One research-based strategy I will use is Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS).
PBIS focuses on reinforcing positive behavior rather than only punishing negative behavior. According
to Sugai and Horner (2002), PBIS helps improve student behavior, classroom climate, and academic
achievement by creating clear expectations and rewarding positive actions. In my classroom, students
will receive verbal praise, incentives, and recognition for meeting expectations, demonstrating
leadership, and showing growth.
, A second strategy is Collaborative Learning. Johnson and Johnson (1999) found that collaborative
learning increases student engagement, communication skills, and academic performance. I will use
group projects, peer discussions, and business simulations to encourage teamwork and student
interaction. Students will learn how to respectfully communicate with others while building leadership
and problem-solving skills.
A third strategy is Culturally Responsive Teaching. Gay (2010) explains that culturally responsive
teaching connects student experiences and cultural backgrounds to instruction. I will incorporate
real-world business examples, student experiences, and current events that reflect the lives and interests
of my students. This approach helps students feel valued and increases classroom participation.
A fourth strategy is Restorative Practices. Restorative practices focus on repairing harm and restoring
relationships rather than relying solely on punishment. According to Morrison and Vaandering (2012),
restorative practices improve relationships and reduce conflict within schools. I will implement
restorative conversations and reflection opportunities to help students understand the impact of their
actions and rebuild trust.
Finally, I will use Student Choice and Voice. Giving students opportunities to make choices in
assignments, discussions, and projects increases engagement and motivation. Research by Deci and
Ryan (2000) found that autonomy supports student motivation and ownership of learning. Students in
my classroom will have opportunities to express themselves creatively through presentations, business
pitches, and project-based learning activities.
These strategies support student needs by promoting safety, inclusion, accountability, and engagement
while also recognizing student strengths, personal experiences, and cultural backgrounds.
2. What strategies will you use to build relationships with students? Include at least 3
strategies. Use research to support your selection of these strategies and identify and explain the
research.
Strategies to Build Relationships with Students
Building strong relationships with students is essential for creating a positive and productive learning
environment. Students are more likely to succeed academically and behaviorally when they feel
respected, supported, and understood by their teacher.
The first strategy I will use is consistent communication and check-ins. Greeting students at the door,
asking about their day, and checking on their emotional well-being helps students feel seen and valued.
Research by Pianta (1999) shows that positive teacher-student relationships increase student motivation
and reduce behavioral problems.
