Responding to Student Needs

As a pre-service teacher, I have a clear vision of my ideal future classroom. I imagine that it will be a place where each child feels accepted, needed, and respected. I picture my students feeling excited to come to school, and looking back on their days with a sense that their time in class was well-spent. I can see myself losing sleep some nights, stewing over an issue in class or with a student. In my classroom, I envision students feeling a sense of ownership for making our days run smoothly. I can see them glowing with pride when they complete a difficult assignment or successfully lead a class activity. And, all the while, I am standing there beside them, wondering what the next step will be, and how we can take our classroom practices to an even higher level.

I know that in reality, the picture of my future classroom won’t be quite so glowing. I will deal with students who are unruly, unmotivated, and distrustful. Not all of my lesson plans will be a hit. Some days, I will be tired and burned out and I’ll wonder why I even bother doing what I do.

Even still, I hope that I can always keep my vision of my ideal future classroom. I know that it will evolve over the years, and that’s a good thing. I’m guessing that just when I start to think that I’ve seen it all, a new student will come along and challenge me in ways I never could’ve imagined.

In my vision of my future classroom, I am a teacher who understands her students’ needs and responds to them. Tomlinson says there are 5 main ways in which teachers respond effectively.  I have listed them and given a brief explanation of each.

1. Invitation: This first response must be issued from the time the student enters the classroom. The teacher’s demeanor, words, and actions all contribute. In order to help the child feel like they belong, the teacher must get to know the child as a whole person.

2. Opportunity: Amazing teachers ensure that the materials, tasks, applications, and problems in their classrooms are rich with meaning and possibilities.

3. Investment: Teachers must be invested in both their students and in the content they are teaching. When teachers share thoughts with their students about the classroom, they are showing the students that they are invested in them.

4. Persistence: There is no finish line in education. Responsive teachers do not accept excuses, but offer support instead.

5. Reflection:  Reflective teachers create a network of like-minded peers. They utilize their resources within the school. They never stop learning and are always seeking to advance their professional knowledge. They are always thinking, “How can I make this better?”