Tom Hierck - Seven Keys to a Positive Learning Environment in Your Classroom

TO A POSITIVE

LEARNING

ENVIRONMENT IN
YOUR CLASSROOM

TOM HIERCK

Copyright 2017 by Solution Tree Press

Materials appearing here are copyrighted. With one exception, all rights are reserved. Readers may reproduce only those pages marked Reproducible. Otherwise, no part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without prior written permission of the publisher.

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Visit go.SolutionTree.com/behavior to download the free reproducibles in this book.

Printed in the United States of America

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Library of Congress Control Number: 2016951244

Solution Tree

Jeffrey C. Jones, CEO

Edmund M. Ackerman, President

Solution Tree Press

President: Douglas M. Rife

Editorial Director: Tonya Maddox Cupp

Managing Production Editor: Caroline Weiss

Production Editor: Alissa Voss

Senior Editor: Amy Rubenstein

Copy Editor: Evie Madsen

Proofreader: Miranda Addonizio

Text and Cover Designer: Abigail Bowen

Editorial Assistants: Jessi Finn and Kendra Slayton

The timing of the publication of this book coincides with what would have been my retirement from my regular day job as an educator. The decision to instead travel the road to work with dedicated colleagues and to write about some of the ideas they have brought forward has altered that plan considerably. Nonetheless, I find myself reflecting on thirty-four years as an educator and where this journey has taken me.

I do know that none of the experiences would have been possible without the love and support of the best partner I could have, and I am forever grateful to my wife for all that she is and does. At the other end are the best teachers I could hope for as my five grandchildren (Isabella, Leah, Liam, Kaiden, and Wren) constantly provide new lessons and are a reminder that we got lots right with our three kids: Kristin, David, and Shannon. Thanks to all of you for allowing me to grow and learn with you. You are deeply loved and admired.

Tom Hierck

Although only my name appears on the cover, this book would not have been possible without the support and input of many colleagues and friends.

Beginning with my Solution Tree family, I would like to thank the following key supporters. Douglas Rife has been a tremendous supporter of my work, and his encouragement and belief in my ability to write a book alone helped me to overcome the doubts I had about accomplishing that goal. Claudia Wheatley set the bar high with her view of the potential for this book and challenged me to reach that goal. I hope the book in your hands does the same and more for your goals. Jeff Jones has built a company that encourages educators to find their voice and share it with colleagues. From my first opportunity to contribute to two anthologies through to coauthoring five books and now culminating in my first solo effort, I have been given a forum provided by his vision, and I will forever be appreciative. Alissa Voss has been my go-to person for all of the edits, and her suggestions ensured that good thoughts flowed smoothly. I get the opportunity to share my thoughts in the words of this book and am equally fortunate that the PD team, led by Shannon Ritz and Alison Cummins, arranges opportunities for me to come out and work with you, my readers.

At the outset of the writing and throughout the process, I was greatly supported by insightful feedback provided by Garth Larson, Chris Weber, and Greg Wolcott. They all have full plates and yet never missed the opportunity to provide timely feedback. Some of the strength of this book lies in the narratives shared by practicing colleagues, and I believe their words will serve as inspiration for all who read them. Special thanks to Barry Baird, Kecia Dennis, Kelly Holmes, Bill Krefft, Garth Larson, Kerry Mahlman, Don Mrozik, Elise Nicoletti, Shannon Prosser, and Greg Wolcott. I am also appreciative of the survey content provided by Sean Latta, Richard Payne, and Diana White, who shared some of the data from their Tell Them From Me surveys of students.

Finally, thanks to the thousands of educators and students Ive been fortunate to interact with over a thirty-four-year career. Your sharing of successes and failures reminds me of the good work that has been done and the remaining work that lies before us.

Solution Tree Press would like to thank the following reviewers:

Jessica Cabeen

Principal

Woodson Kindergarten Center

Austin, Minnesota

Eric Ewald

Principal

Starry Elementary School

Marion, Iowa

Tiawana Giles

Assistant Principal

Oak Grove Elementary School

Richmond, Virginia

Chris Hubbuch

Principal

Excelsior Springs Middle School

Excelsior Springs, Missouri

Sarah Starr

Staff Development and Behavior Support Teacher

Carl Sandburg Learning Center

Rockville, Maryland

Shannon Stone

Special Response Team Coach

Kerrick Elementary School

Louisville, Kentucky

Visit go.SolutionTree.com/behavior to download
the free reproducibles in this book.

Tom Hierck has been an educator since 1983 and has held a variety of roles including teacher, department head, vice principal, principal, director of international programs, sessional university instructor, Ministry of Education project coordinator, and assistant superintendent. This has allowed him the opportunity to see education from a myriad of perspectives that are reflected in his writing.

Tom is a compelling presenter, infusing his message of hope with strategies culled from the real world. He has presented to schools and districts across North America and overseas with a message of celebration for educators seeking to make a difference in students lives. Toms dynamic presentations explore the importance of being purpose driven in creating positive learning environments and a positive school culture, responding to the behavioral and academic needs of students, and utilizing assessment to improve student learning. His belief that every student is a success story waiting to be told has led him to work with teachers and administrators to create the kinds of learning environments that are effective for all educators while building strong relationships that facilitate learning for all students.

Tom was a recipient of the Queens Golden Jubilee Medallion, presented by the premier and lieutenant-governor of British Columbia, for being a recognized leader in the field of public education. Tom earned a masters degree at Gonzaga University and a bachelors degree and teacher certification at the University of British Columbia.

This is the seventh Solution Tree title bearing Toms name, with number eight in the production phase. He was a contributor to