Using the Rules of Engagement to Inform Better Teaching

Every successful teacher knows the importance of creating a unique and special bond with each and every student they teach. In order to aid in the developing of these relationships, teachers should utilize the seven "Engagement Factors" in order to fully understand how to connect with students, particularly those who are struggling or who come from underprivileged areas. These seven factors include: health and nutrition, vocabulary, effort and energy, mindset, cognitive capacity, relationships, and stress level. By understanding how these seven categories impact a young child, I can come closer to fulfilling my potential as a highly effective teacher and mentor. 

There are many ways in which I will incorporate the seven engagement factors into my personal classroom in order to build meaningful relationships with my students. The first factor listed is health and nutrition. This is a major factor! There are certain students that will have physical ailments that I will have to take into consideration. For example, if a student suffers from a particular disorder such as dyslexia, I will have to cater to his/her needs in terms of every day teaching as well as assessments that are fair and true. 

Another factor that I think is supremely important is mindset. There are so many different ways in which students can view the world, and those views can have major impacts on the students' academic and social growth. I will definitely do my best to demonstrate and model a positive outlook and mindset. If students are surrounded by nothing but negative attitude and behavior, it will eventually rub off. For students in low-income areas, a teacher may be the only positive role model they have. I will do everything in my power to make sure that I do not take that for granted. It can be so easy to have a negative tone or demeanor when times are rough, but I will constantly remind myself that the students are always watching. They are always looking at the teacher and thinking about what they are doing- and why! I will be a positive role model for all students, and especially for those that do not have one anywhere else. 


As I think about some of my own experiences as a young student, there is another engagement factor that definitely plays an important role in overall growth and development. Stress, when overpowering, can destroy a person. However, small amounts of stress are useful in keeping a person aware of their surroundings and/or relation to personal goals. I know from personal experience that some teachers are not great at limiting stress levels in the classroom. One of the most important aspects of my personal classroom will be maintaining a calm environment in the classroom, even for those students that tend to get rowdy at times. There are very few people that love the feeling of a lot of pressure, especially at such a young age. We are supposed to be guiding these children into the future, not forcing them to obey our every demand. I am a firm believer in the saying, "kids will be kids." Young children should not go to sleep at night wondering how mad their teacher will be if they perform poorly on a test or assignment. I, myself, hate the feeling of being stressed, so why would I impose that feeling on a classroom full of children?! By maintaining a calm, relaxing classroom, everybody will have a great opportunity to succeed. 

Overall, there are many factors to consider in terms of building healthy, quality relationships with students. As a teacher, it is my job to lead my students towards greatness. There will definitely be hardships along the way, but as long as I remember how important of a role model I can be for many different students, I will do everything in my power to make those students feel safe, confident, and successful. 

Finding Forrester

After viewing the movie, Finding Forrester, I can say that it is definitely one of the most impactful films that I've ever seen. This movie is important on so many levels, especially for a future educator such as myself. This film should absolutely be viewed by anybody that is considering pursuing a career in teaching. This story can teach so many lessons in equality, persistence, and giving every single student a chance to succeed.

It is truly frightening to witness that amount of teachers that are so quick to simply give up on certain students based on external factors. It is the responsibility for every teacher to give each and every student the best possible opportunity to succeed. In this story, William Forrester is able to serve as a mentor and role model for Jamal Wallace. Jamal is an incredible basketball player and perhaps an even better writer. However, due to societal implications, he is reluctant to fully express himself. In this scenario, some teachers would be quick to assume that Jamal was just a typical athlete that was lazy in terms of academics and did not want to apply himself.  This story shows just how important it is to make meaningful connections with all students! Students like Jamal need to be shown that there is no reason to be ashamed or embarrassed about learning.  Forrester was able to form a strong bond with Jamal and really bring out the best in him. This is what every teacher should be doing!

As I think about this story in relation to my own teaching experiences, I have absolutely encountered similar scenarios. I currently have a student that is known as the "class clown." He is always making other students laugh, and that usually means acting inappropriately in class. He is hands-down one of the most gifted students in the class, but is typically hesitant to express his knowledge. He has actually told me that he doesn't finish his work because he is too busy "entertaining" the other students... and this is a kindergarten class! If teachers continue to write this student off as lazy and unable to perform, he will be sick of school by the time he reaches middle school! This is truly one of the most tragic scenarios that I can imagine. I make sure to continually express my support for this student. I make sure to tell him that he is smart, capable, and fully able to complete his work as well as have fun with his classmates at the same time, as long as he is not be disruptive. Students should not be ashamed of succeeding! Especially once students reach an older age, performing at a high level can be viewed as "uncool." It is the responsibility of the teacher to dismiss this idea. Each and every student needs to be aware of the possibilities whenever they work hard in order to accomplish a goal.

I loved the message that this story was able to convey. Academics can be intimidating or scary for many students. This does not give teachers the right to neglect these students if they are not immediately performing at a high level. Teachers are responsible for bringing out the best in every single student, regardless of situation!