The document outlines the core values of being a good teacher according to the author. The author believes the main focus of teaching should be empowering students to reach their full potential. Some of the key values the author plans to uphold are creating an inclusive classroom where all students are respected and accepted regardless of background, and establishing an open community where students feel a sense of belonging and that their ideas are supported. The author will strive to incorporate diverse cultures and allow students to express themselves through various art forms.

1. Running Head: Core Values for Good Teaching Moore 1
Lauren Moore
Core Values for Good Teaching
EDUC-E345
April 23, 2014

2. Running Head: Core Values for Good Teaching Moore 2
“We have the potential to make a huge impact on children we teach and the
world they will create” (Sapon-Shevin, 2010, p. 1). I believe that due to the
educational system we have today, teachers lose sight of the main focus. The main
focus should be the students and having the ability to empower them to become the
best they can be. As a future teacher, I intend to seek an environment structured
upon collaboration, inclusion, acceptance and free of discrimination. I plan to create
a classroom with a sense of comfort, appreciation and open-mindedness where
students can leave their burdens at the door. I want the parents and family members
of my students to feel that they are just as important in the child’s educational
processes as the teacher. I want to have a student-based curriculum that allows
students to be inquiry driven. I will be intentional with how I interact with students
inside and outside of the classroom. I will incorporate fine arts into my classroom
where students can express themselves through many different forms including but
not limited to music, drama, art and dance. Although I have mentions many key
values, there are two key principles I would like to maintain.
I will strive to create an inclusion-based classroom environment where al
students are accepted, respected and appreciated despite what cultural background
or ethnicity may be. I feel it is important for students to see themselves represented
within the classroom. Meaning a variety of cultural diverse activities, posters and
lesson plans within the classroom. I will accomplish this goal by first getting to
know all of my students and understanding where they come from. I am determined
to educate my classroom on the vast verity of cultures regardless of whether those
specific cultures are represented through the students. Overall, this goal will allow

3. Running Head: Core Values for Good Teaching Moore 3
me to develop a sense of cultural awareness within my students not only in the
classroom, but also in every aspect of their life.
I will strive to establish an open community where students are free to be
themselves. I as the teacher will seek out the strengths of each student and find
ways in which I can incorporate those strengths within the classroom. According to
Sapon-Shevin (2010), “Every group of students is unique with individual challenges,
strengths, obstacles and joys.” By creating this type of environment in the
classroom, I plan to allow students to feel a sense of belonging that will enable
students to feel that their opinions and ideas matter and are supported by others in
the community. I will achieve this sense of community by having more group-centered
activities in ways in which students offer support and encouragement to
others in their community.
I will have an object in my classroom that displays both diverse culture and
community. It will demonstrate how different cultures make a community more
intriguing. Another important characteristic it demonstrates is how different objects
or individuals come together to form the community and culture just like students
do in a classroom. This cannot be achieved unless every single student is involved
within the community and understands what role they each have to make the
community what it is. Each child should understand that he or she plays a very
unique and significant role within making the foundation of this community thrive.
Each culture will also be represented to show the students how all the different
cultures also play important roles in the community to educate students on the
importance of having a vast variety of cultures in the community.

4. Running Head: Core Values for Good Teaching Moore 4
References
Sapon-Shevin, M. (2010). Because we can change the world: A practical guide to
building cooperative, inclusive, classroom communities. Thousand Oaks,
California: Corwin A Sage Company.