Creating a "classroom contract" is an activity for teachers to increase learner engagement and students' accountability for their own learning from the very first class. The contract is a set of rules and expected behavior, negotiated by the teacher and the students. Student engagement can be an issue in many classrooms, and any practice that helps keep the students focused in the classroom is beneficial to teaching and learning. By jointly negotiating expectations in the classroom, the teacher and the students alike are accountable for their actions. The contract also gives students a sense of autonomy and agency in their learning. This article provides a step-by-step guide for involving students in the process of making (and following) rules that are fair and effective.