Author: Jeanne Prevost Title: teacher Role: K-12 Classroom teacher Location: Fall River, , MA Date: 08-13-02 One important aspect of school-based professional development is to build a sense of community and collegiality within the school. Feeling like an accepted, valuable member of a community of learners fosters collaboration and individual growth. This is equally important within each classroom as it is within the school as a whole, among colleagues. The ways to build community among students within a classroom are similar to the ways to build community among teachers in a school. These methods include but are not limited to: 1) the physical arrangement of the room; 2) activities that promote getting to know each other on a personal basis; 3) learning and using language that is accepting and esteem-building; 4) valueing the strengths and contribution of each member.

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