Mr. Bettridge created a safe learning environment in his classroom by getting to know each of his students individually and celebrating their successes. He subtly helped students feel confident and respected, encouraging good behavior. He also fostered strong peer relationships by designing collaborative projects with rewards that unified the class, and established clear rules that he consistently enforced with praise, rewards or consequences depending on the situation. Overall, Mr. Bettridge exemplified a teacher who built trust and positive learning through his attention to students and consistent approach.

1. In year four and five, Mr. Bettridge created the safe learning environment. He encouraged good behaviour and
manners that left most other adults confused. I believe the secret to his success was that he knew all of his students.
He saw the golden opportunities, when they arose and he made some, so that he could make everyone feel great
about him or herself. Some examples:
1. St ude nt Te ac he r Relat io ns – As the little girl with the disability, I hated baseball. Mr. B allowed me to
get my first run, by subtlety distracting the pitcher, who would have got me out. He then celebrated like my
run was the best run ever. He did this for every student. He celebrated every step forward and gave us
pride in ourselves. This made most of us love and respect him, as such, we wanted to learn from him and
be good for him.
2. Pee r Relat io ns – Mr. B’s class won every school competition! He made sure that the entire class
contributed something and worked together. He got us enthusiastic about the project and we worked
towards a common goal, which was winning the door decorating contest and watching Mr. B dye his hair
pink for a day.
3. Ex pect atio ns – Mr. B had clear rules concerning his classroom and everyone followed them for their own
reasons (i.e. respect, rewards or fear depending on the student). Everyone knows that when supply
teachers come, it is a new game and we made one of them cry. The result of this was a stern talking to,
where Mr. B shamed those of us who knew better, told reward seekers that they have to earn back their
end of term party and punished those who had been particularly ruthless.
I feel that Mr. Bettridge exemplifies a teacher that was able to create a safe environment by building relationships
with and between his students. He had clear expectations, which applied to the whole class and clear consequences
that followed certain actions including praise, rewards and punishment. Mr. B was also a great teacher too!