MS EMMA CARTER

is a big sister, poet, graphic designer, and high school English teacher.

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CLASSROOM CULTURE + CLIMATE

MODULE 03
CREATING A SAFE AND ENGAGING SPACE
Having a deep understanding of my students’ diverse cultures, learning styles, and potential areas of difficulty is integral to the value I place on creating a safe and engaging learning environment. By immersing myself in the various cultural backgrounds of my students, I am better equipped to tailor my teaching methods to suit their unique needs. This cultural awareness allows me to build more meaningful connections with my students and address their individual challenges effectively.

In practice, this means that my approach to teaching extends beyond the mere delivery of content. I recognize that every student brings their own set of experiences, perspectives, and ways of learning to the classroom. By acknowledging and incorporating these elements into my teaching, I can foster a more inclusive and supportive atmosphere where every student feels valued and understood.

In this context, I can relate to the common teacher sentiment, “I close my classroom door and I teach,” which emphasizes delivering instruction. However, my approach goes a step further—I envision closing my classroom door not just to focus on teaching, but also to engage in a continuous process of learning. This means that I am committed to learning about my students, their experiences, and their needs in an ongoing manner. By closing the door and learning, I am dedicating myself to understanding the intricacies of each student’s background and learning journey. This commitment involves actively listening to students, observing their interactions, and adapting my methods based on their feedback and progress. Ultimately, this approach helps create a dynamic and responsive classroom environment where students feel safe, motivated, and empowered to reach their full potential.

RELATIONSHIPS + TEACHINGMy teaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that education thrives when teachers build meaningful relationships, foster empathy and respect, and equip students with the skills necessary to navigate and understand the world. I strive to create a classroom environment where students feel valued, empowered to express themselves, and encouraged to think critically about the class material. This commitment to creating a supportive and engaging learning atmosphere ensures that students not only gain knowledge but also develop the resilience and insight needed to succeed beyond their school years. By prioritizing collaboration and transformation in the classroom, I aim to prepare students for both their academic pursuits and personal growth, ultimately helping them to become thoughtful, capable individuals ready to tackle the challenges of the future. 

additional resources — relationships

Teachers Off Duty podcast — teachers considering their day to day experiences in the profession
Classroom Culture & Climate: presentation by Duke MAT 2025 cohort


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