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Standard 6 - Developing as a Professional Educator
Teachers reflect on their teaching practice to support student learning. They establish professional goals and engage in continuous and purposeful professional growth and development. They collaborate with colleagues and engage in the broader professional community to support teacher and student learning. Teachers learn about and work with families to support student learning. They engage local communities in support of the instructional program. They manage professional responsibilities to maintain motivation and commitment to all students. Teachers demonstrate professional responsibility, integrity, and ethical conduct.
6.2 Establishing professional goals and engaging in continuous and purposeful professional growth and development
As teachers develop, they may ask, “How do I…” or “Why do I…”
Maintain an attitude of lifelong learning
Guidance: Embrace a growth mindset and seek out opportunities for continuous improvement through reading, reflection, collaboration, and feedback.
Establish goals and seek out opportunities for professional growth and development
Guidance: Set SMART goals aligned to teaching standards and student needs. Participate in professional learning communities, workshops, and online courses.
Ensure that professional goals are informed by appropriate resources
Guidance: Use input from mentors, evaluation tools, student data, district priorities, and current research to shape goals that are reflective and actionable.
Use professional literature and development opportunities to deepen understanding
Guidance: Stay current with educational research, articles, and instructional strategies. Apply new knowledge to refine teaching practice and improve student outcomes.
Learn more about my own professional roles and responsibilities
Guidance: Become familiar with teaching credentials, ethical guidelines, union contracts, and school/district policies. Seek clarification when roles shift or expand.
Continue to refine curriculum accessibility for all students
Guidance: Use UDL principles, culturally responsive pedagogy, and equity-based strategies to design inclusive curriculum and differentiate instruction.
Expand knowledge and application of new instructional methods and technologies
Guidance: Explore and experiment with emerging instructional tools and educational technologies. Join professional networks and attend edtech-focused PD events.