Intention: Presence

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In the classroom, teacher presence can look like: 

☺ engaging delivery of instruction through body language, expression, and tone

☺ being in control of a classroom, creating a culture allows all students to share ownership of their 
learning environment and where no student(s) rule the room. 

☺"meaning business" when giving direct instruction- being clear about what needs to be done and 
following through on set expectations

☺ sharing "real" pieces of yourself through emotion and personal interests when appropriate, while 
maintaining professionalism and boundaries 

☺using proximity (movement through the room) as a classroom management tool and also as a way to be 
available, creating opportunity for students to get individual support on demand

☺ having a desk as a classroom fixture, but not being a fixture at a desk

☺ caring about and creating trusting relationships with students through specific action, gestures, and 
communication

☺ creating systems within your classroom that support desired objectives, then continually reflecting 
upon and adjusting those systems so that they are always serving the needs of your students


In the classroom, teacher presence should not look like:

X derailing instruction with personal commentary or opinions

X demanding your students' attention at all times

X micromanaging every detail of your classroom

X focusing energy on systems for the sake of systems when they do not support desired outcomes

X pushing student/teacher boundaries in order to friends with students or to be "cool" or "liked"

X sitting at your desk while consistently telling students to be quiet or get to work


In the coming weeks, set your intentions on presence. When you strive to be present and engaging in your classroom, you are able to create a safe space where all of your students feel welcomed and important. When students feel secure and supported, they will work harder to reach the expectations you have set for them. Small successes build into bigger ones until each student wants to become a productive member of your classroom community. You see, it's all part of the great circle of [education].