168: Creating a Safe and Authentic Classroom Environment

Kimberly Jones, the 2023 Burrows Welcome Fund North Carolina State Teacher of the Year, discusses her career in education and her focus on teaching world literature and Holocaust and human rights education. She emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and authentic classroom environment where students feel comfortable bringing their authentic selves. Jones also shares her approach to teaching difficult topics, such as the Holocaust, by contextualizing the events and highlighting the resilience and humanity of the people affected. She motivates her students by emphasizing the real-world relevance of reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. Kimberly Jones emphasizes the importance of teaching essential skills that are necessary for success in life. She believes that there is no path to success that doesn't include these skills, and she challenges her students to come up with one. Jones also highlights the significance of relating what students learn in the classroom to real-life situations, helping them understand the relevance of their education. She encourages students to see the importance of a well-rounded education and the impact it can have on their future. Jones assesses success in her classroom through growth in students' skills and confidence, as well as their ability to take academic risks. She believes in creating a classroom environment where students feel safe and valued, and where their unique voices are heard and respected. Jones also emphasizes the importance of self-care for educators and the need for validation and appreciation in a thankless profession. Finally, she discusses the importance of adapting teaching strategies to meet the needs of each unique group of students.

Takeaways

• Creating a safe and authentic classroom environment is crucial for students to feel comfortable bringing their authentic selves.

• Teaching difficult topics, such as the Holocaust, involves contextualizing the events and highlighting the resilience and humanity of the people affected.

• Motivating students to read, write, and engage in critical thinking involves emphasizing the real-world relevance of these skills.

• Fiction and nonfiction texts, as well as speaking and listening skills, are essential facets of life and contribute to personal growth and understanding. Teaching essential skills is crucial for students' success in life.

• Relating classroom learning to real-life situations helps students understand the relevance of their education.

• A well-rounded education is important for students to see the value in their learning.

• Assessing success in the classroom involves measuring growth in skills and confidence.

• Creating a safe and respectful classroom environment encourages students to take academic risks.

• Educators need to prioritize self-care and seek validation and appreciation in a challenging profession.

• Adapting teaching strategies to meet the needs of each unique group of students is essential.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Background
• 07:39 Creating a Safe and Authentic Classroom Environment
• 23:56 Motivating Students to Read, Write, and Think Critically
• 30:35 The Importance of Fiction and Nonfiction in Personal Growth
• 38:43 Assessing Success: Growth and Confidence
• 46:14 Prioritizing Self-Care and Seeking Validation

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