At different points throughout our schooling, we have likely experienced great variation in classroom environments.  In some classes, we were respected as individuals and became integral members of well-functioning and productive communities where we could learn and grow; in other classes, we may have felt invisible, disconnected from our peers, and confused about classroom routines or the purpose of instruction.  Such differences are not a result of chance or magical class dynamics.  In addition to planning cohesive and engaging instruction, effective teachers proactively develop plans for meeting students’ needs and cultivating positive, productive classroom communities.  They consider how students will interact with one another, expectations for behavior, and routines for carrying out the work of learning. With the ultimate goal of helping you effectively design and manage your own future classroom, this course focuses on establishing and maintaining positive learning environments in secondary classrooms, with a particular focus on classroom management, behavioral management, and the implementation of powerful curriculum that helps students be engaged, motivated and self-directed learners.