1

Subject Matter
The teacher understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) he or she teaches and creates learning experiences that make these aspects of subject matter meaningful for students. 

Area of the Head:  Promote Reflection and Decision Making

2

Student Learning
The teacher understands how children learn and develop and can provide learning opportunities that support their intellectual, social, and personal development.

Area of the Head:  Promote Reflection and Decision Making

3

Diverse Learners
The teacher understands how students differ in their approaches to learning and creates instructional opportunities that are adapted to diverse learners.

Area of the Heart:  Enhance Self and Social Awareness

4

Instructional Strategies
The teacher understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage students’ development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance skills.

Area of the Hands:  Facilitate Learning

5

Learning Environment
The teacher uses an understanding individual and group motivation and behavior to create a learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagements in learning, and self-motivation.

Area of the Hands:  Facilitate Learning

6

Communication
The teacher uses knowledge of effective verbal, nonverbal and media communication techniques to foster active inquiry, collaboration, and supportive interaction in the classroom.

Area of the Head:  Promote Reflection and Decision Making

7

Planning Instruction
The teacher plans instruction based upon knowledge of subject matter, students, the community, and curriculum goals.

Area of the Hands:  Facilitate Learning

8

Assessment
The teacher understands and uses formal and informal assessment strategies to evaluate and ensure the continuous intellectual, social, and physical development of the learner.

Area of the Hands:  Facilitate Learning

9

Reflection and Professional
The teacher is a reflective practitioner who continually evaluates the effects of his or her choices and actions on others (students, parents, and other professionals in the learning community) and who actively seeks out opportunities to grow professionally.

Area of the Head:  Promote Reflection and Decision Making

10

Collaboration, Ethics, and Relationships
The teacher fosters relationships with school colleagues, parents, and agencies in the larger community to support students’ learning and well being.

Area of the Heart:  Enhance Self and Social Awareness