Creating Independence and Student Leadership in the Classroom

The hallmark of an exceptional classroom, much like that of a successful business, lies in cultivating a space where vision and expectations are clearly communicated, roles are defined, and individuals take ownership of their responsibilities. This concept parallels the dynamics within a classroom, emphasizing the crucial partnership between teachers and students to foster a rigorous and inquiry-driven educational environment.

While direct instruction has its merits, I advocate for a diversified approach that combines it with small group activities and various other strategies to nurture independence and leadership among students. Drawing on my experience as a former entrepreneur, I've identified three critical elements for fostering growth, both in business and education: processes, people, and systems.

Creating Processes: 

In the business realm, establishing standard operating procedures (SOPs) is essential for defining how each business function should operate, from onboarding clients to executing sales calls and managing social media marketing. Similarly, in the educational sphere, it's imperative for educators to deliberate on their classroom processes before the arrival of students. This preparation involves outlining the desired classroom environment, setting up structures for student interaction, detailing procedures for common classroom scenarios (e.g., bathroom breaks, class entry and exit routines), and deciding on the dynamics of teaching and learning activities.

By transplanting these business principles into the classroom, educators can create a structured yet flexible learning environment that encourages student autonomy and leadership. This approach not only prepares students for academic success but also equips them with the essential life skills needed for future professional endeavors, thereby bridging the gap between education and the business world.

Visualize and write down all of these processes that are important Following the establishment of classroom processes, the next step is understanding and integrating the students—your "people" component—into this structured environment. In business, as in education, ensuring that processes are solidly in place is crucial before introducing new team members or, in this case, students. This prevents individuals from deviating from established norms and maintains the integrity of the classroom's operational framework. It's vital to adapt your classroom management strategies to accommodate the diverse backgrounds and needs of the students you'll be teaching.

Empowering People: 

Regarding the people aspect of this model, it's essential to clearly communicate and periodically reinforce the expectations and processes that have been established in your classroom. This reinforcement should occur on the first day and at strategic points throughout the school year, especially before or after significant breaks. Communication, however, is just the starting point; the next critical step is teaching these processes to your students. Effective teaching involves not only verbal instruction but also modeling the expected behaviors and procedures. Consistency is key; whether it involves using hand signals or specific callouts for classroom management, maintaining these practices throughout the year ensures a stable and predictable learning environment.

Finally, once you've established your processes and aligned your people—your students—with these expectations, the focus shifts to the systems you've created in your classroom. These systems are the result of combining effective processes with engaged and well-understood people, facilitating a cohesive and functional classroom environment. This structured approach not only supports academic achievement but also fosters student independence and leadership, essential components of a successful educational experience.

Implementing Systems:

In my role as an ELA teacher, I observed a remarkable transformation in my students' independence and leadership once they fully understood the processes and expectations within our classroom. They knew exactly where to find their folders and what to do with them upon entering the room. I appointed students for specific tasks, such as managing folders, distributing pencils, preparing the slide deck, and other classroom activities. This delegation not only fostered independence but also cultivated leadership among the students.

I urge fellow educators to reconsider the notion that all classroom responsibilities fall solely on them. Reflect on your daily tasks and identify opportunities where students can take on roles, promoting a sense of ownership and responsibility. By empowering our students to lead, we inherently guide them toward becoming leaders.

Adopting a #StartWithHeart approach means always keeping our students' needs and potentials in mind, aiming to create an environment conducive to learning and growth. This strategy ensures that students are equipped with the necessary processes, modeling, and systems to succeed independently. As a result, classrooms grounded in these principles see heightened engagement, fewer behavioral issues, and improved academic outcomes. Creating a success-oriented foundation within the classroom not only enhances the educational experience but also prepares students for future challenges and opportunities.