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Welcome back to the Teaching with Valor Podcast, where we delve into the heart of what it means to be an effective educator, exploring strategies and insights that help teachers grow and improve their practice every single day. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today’s episode is all about one of the most fundamental aspects of teaching: How to Establish Classroom Rules and Expectations.

Whether you’re stepping into your first classroom or you’re a seasoned veteran, setting clear rules and expectations from the beginning is key to creating a structured, respectful, and positive learning environment. This is one of the first steps in building a classroom culture where students feel safe, respected, and ready to learn. Without clear expectations, chaos can quickly take over. But when students understand the boundaries and the rationale behind them, they’re more likely to engage, participate, and thrive.
Show Notes
For more information on this topic checkout the following resources:

• Responsive Classroom Approach: www.responsiveclassroom.org - A research-based approach to teaching that focuses on the strong relationship between academic success and social-emotional learning.
• Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS): www.pbis.org - A framework for improving student behavior and creating a positive classroom environment.
• Classroom Management Strategies by Edutopia: www.edutopia.org - A wealth of resources on classroom management and setting clear expectations.
• Teach Like a Champion by Doug Lemov: A book that provides practical techniques for managing classrooms and ensuring student success.
• Mindset by Carol Dweck: A resource on fostering a growth mindset in students and helping them understand the value of rules and expectations in their learning.

Stay tuned for more episodes, and remember, every student is unique, and every classroom can be a place where all students succeed. Keep teaching with valor!