A Passion-Driven Teacher-Student Agreement

There are so many mission statements adorning our walls and collecting dust sitting on or behind our desks.

We believe in these promises, and want to make sure that our students understand how serious we are about accomplishing the mission of preparing them for the world and the challenges they face.

We are so committed to the mission, that we are willing to make public for them those beliefs knowing that failing to deliver on these learning promises will in result in loss of attention, decreased motivation, apathy, disengagement, and passion-less learning.

The following contract is a testament to our commitment. (Feel free to make adaptations as you think about creating something meaningful for you and your students.)

Welcome to our classroom. This contract represents Our Mission to create a learning experience that will challenge, engage, and support you to make powerful changes in your lives as learners. Experiences we have discussed have shown that the following guidelines will set us all up for the greatest success.

As your teacher, I am 100% committed to your success. I will be an open listener and provide honest feedback. I can serve you best when you communicate openly and freely with me about your needs and your progress.

As a student, you are responsible for ensuring that we are moving in the direction you desire. We will customize your learning path to meet your specific situation and goals. As we construct your unique plan for success, we will incorporate the concepts and principles of passionate learning. Together we will determine realistic assignments and completion dates for them.

You commit to at least ____ minutes a day to work on your learning plan. Your success is based largely upon how well you accomplish the goals you set and the attitude in which you approach this work and study. Our time together spans over the next 8 months, and each day we learn together will be vital. I am committed to helping you move forward, accomplishing your goals, and seeing you leave this year confident and empowered by which you have become.

In summary, this agreement includes:

Your Commitments

• Communicate openly
• Devote at least ____ day to your work/study
• Complete all weekly exercises and assignments
• Give 110% effort to the process; knowing that mistakes are valued

My Commitments

• Be fully excited and prepared for each session
• Provide insight, guidance, & accountability
• Give open and honest feedback
• Customize the program to meet your needs
• Keep all communication confidential If these terms are in harmony with your expectations and beliefs please sign, date, and return a copy to me.

I promise this will be the best year ever, and I look forward to being your teacher.

Signed:__________

Signed:__________

Are you using similar agreements with your students?  I would love to hear your experiences on how they have or haven't worked.