Standards Esther Boner, Regent University
Standard 1: Learner Development
The teacher understands how learners grow and
develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and
development vary individually within and across
the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and
physical areas, and designs and implements
developmentally appropriate and challenging
learning experiences.
Standard 2: Learning Differences
The teacher uses understanding of individual
differences and diverse cultures and communities
to ensure inclusive learning environments that
enable each learner to meet high standards.
Standard 3: Learning Environments
The teacher works with others to create
environments that support individual and
collaborative learning, and that encourage positive
social interaction, active engagement in learning,
and self-motivation.
Standard 4: Content Knowledge
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 the discipline accessible and meaningful
for learners to assure mastery of the content.
Standard 5: Application of Content
The teacher understands how to connect concepts
and use differing perspectives to engage learners
in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative
problem solving related to authentic local and
global issues.
Standard 6: Assessment
The teacher understands and uses multiple
methods of assessment to engage learners in their
own growth, to monitor learner progress, and to
guide the teacher’s and learner’s decision making.
Standard 7: Planning for Instruction
The teacher plans instruction that supports every
student in meeting rigorous learning goals by
drawing upon knowledge of content areas,
curriculum, cross-disciplinary skills, and pedagogy,
as well as knowledge of learners and the
community context.
Standard 8: Instructional Strategies
The teacher understands and uses a variety of
instructional strategies to encourage learners to
develop deep understanding of content areas and
their connections, and to build skills to apply
knowledge in meaningful ways.
Standard 9: Professional Learning and Ethical
Practice
The teacher engages in ongoing professional
learning and uses evidence to continually evaluate
his/her practice, particularly the effects of his/her
choices and actions on others (learners, families,
other professionals, and the community), and
adapts practice to meet the needs of each learner.
Standard 10: Leadership and Collaboration
The teacher seeks appropriate leadership roles and
opportunities to take responsibility for student
learning, to collaborate with learners, families,
colleagues, other school professionals, and
community members to ensure learner growth,
and to advance the profession.