The Professional Standards for Teachers define the pedagogical and other professional knowledge and skills required of all teachers. These Standards are used by teacher preparation providers in preparing their candidates, by the Department in reviewing programs seeking state approval, and by the Department as the basis of performance assessments of candidates. Candidates shall demonstrate that they meet the Professional Standards by passing a performance assessment :

1. in the practicum phase of preparation for the Initial License,
2. as part of the Performance Assessment Program option for earning the Professional license, and
3. as one option for re-licensure during each five-year cycle after the Professional license is obtained

The Department will issue guidelines for each type of performance assessment to reflect differences in growth in professional knowledge and skills.

I have felt myself grow in each of the skills defined by the Professional Standards for Teachers over the course of this practicum year.  I crafted well – structured lessons by developing detailed lesson plans with a particular focus on timing in order to provide students with rigorous coursework while also ensuring there was enough time allotted for wait time, student questions, and independent work at a comfortable pace.  I created resources — and helped students create resources — that could be used over the course of several lessons in a unit by spiraling back to something the class had previously learned.  I made adjustments to practice by taking student feedback into account and incorporating the activities and learning platforms that they enjoyed the most, such as using Jeopardy and Kahoot games to review material before a quiz.  I also analyzed assessments to gauge student performance and understand where additional scaffolding was necessary within a unit before moving on to new material.  I met diverse needs by including diverse literature and providing supports for all students, including those on IEPs and with ELL supports by supplementing lesson materials with pictures, color coded information, and other tools.  I developed a safe learning environment by using familiar learning platforms such as Jamboard and Nearpod across learning platforms, promoting collaboration, and celebrating students’ successes and contributions.  I generated high expectations in my classroom by including rubrics with important assignments, modeling thinking and writing for the class, and taking care to ensure that all students participate in class equally.  Finally, I reflected on my practice by collaborating with mentors during lesson prep, studying assessments, re-evaluating ineffective strategies, regrouping, and reteaching.