Teaching Standards
- A teacher knows his/her subject area and how to teach it.
- Demonstrates knowledge of core concepts of the teacher's content area
- Relates content, concepts, and skills to other content areas and to life applications
- Organizes content which encourages higher level thinking skills
- Makes purpose of lesson clear to students and the activities directly relate to the purpose
- Uses a wide variety of up to date learning materials beyond the text that enhance and extend learning
- Responds to student questions and refers to other sources of information
- A teacher can describe his/her philosophy and rationale for current teaching practices.
- Demonstrates a connection between beliefs and practice
- Incorporates current best teaching practices in implementing changes in instructional strategies and resources
- A teacher understands how students learn and develop and applies that knowledge by monitoring and assessing student learning.
- Establishes clear and appropriate instructional objectives for student population
- Aligns outcomes with curriculum or I.E.P.
- Clearly communicates objectives to students
- Uses varied grouping techniques with stated outcomes
- Communicates criteria for assessment to students
- Provides models and guidelines of excellent work
- Provides continued feedback to students in a positive manner
- Provides multiple and varied opportunities for students to demonstrate accomplishment of objectives/outcomes
- Maintains accurate and up to date records (i.e. attendance, lesson plans, I.E.P., grades) consistently
- A teacher respects students' individual and cultural characteristics.
- Respects diversity within the classroom
- Provides appropriate pace and sequence of learning activities for varying needs and rates of learning
- Aligns assessment tools to instructional objectives and makes sure they are appropriate for student population
- Provides feedback through methods and materials that are free of bias and/or discrimination
- Provides opportunity for student choice with effective balance between exercising rights and accepting responsibility
- Incorporates characteristics of students' culture into instruction
- A teacher creates and maintains a learning environment which provides multiple opportunities for students to be actively engaged and contributing members.
- Shows respect, concern, and responsiveness to students' needs
- Provides an atmosphere conducive to active listening and engaged learning
- Disciplines students in a dignified and fair manner
- Encourages student discovery and inquiry from all learners
- Provides opportunities for students to apply higher-level thinking to real-life situations or assimilations
- Manages materials and space effectively for attainment of student outcomes and creates positive bias-free environment
- Organizes classroom to meet varying instructional groupings, experiences, and needs to learners
- Clearly establishes routines and responsibilities
- A teacher works as a partner with parents, families, and community.
- Works cooperatively with parents and community to promote student learning
- Promotes and maintains regular and meaningful communication between classroom and student families
- Develops partnerships and/or connects classroom activities to the community
- A teacher participates in and contributes to the teaching profession.
- Participates in opportunities for professional growth
- Works cooperatively with school staff to promote a positive learning environment
