University of South Dakota

Professional Development Center Teacher Competencies

1. Knowledge of Students and Their Development
2. • Understands and appreciates diversity
   • Forms constructive relationships with students
   • Connects students' prior learning, life experiences, and interests with learning goals
   • Uses a variety of instructional strategies and resources to respond to students' diverse needs
   • Facilitates learning experiences that promote autonomy, interaction, and choice
   • Engages students in problem solving, critical thinking, and other activities that make subject matter meaningful
2. Creates an Effective Learning Environment
3. • Establishes a climate that promotes fairness and students
   • Establishes a collaborative learning environment
   • Creates a physical environment that engages all students
   • Plans and implements classroom procedures and routines that support student learning
   • Uses instructional time effectively
3. Understands Subject Matter
4. 1. Demonstrates knowledge of subject matter content and skills
   2. Interrelates ideas and information within and across subject matter areas
   3. Uses instructional strategies that are appropriate to the subject matter
   4. Uses materials, resources, and technologies to provide meaningful learning
4. Plans and Designs Appropriate Learning Experiences
5. • Establishes goals for student learning
   • Develops and sequences instructional activities for student learning
   • Modifies instructional plans to meet the needs of all students
   • Uses resources to meet the needs of student
5. Uses On-going Assessment to Monitor Student Learning
6. • Communicates learning goals to students
   • Collects and uses multiple sources of information to assess learning
   • Assists students in assessing their own learning
   • Maintains up-to-date records a analyzes data
   • Communicates with students and families about student progress
6. Develops Professional Practice
7. • Reflects on teaching practice to extend knowledge and skills
   • Establishes goals for professional development
   • Meets the responsibilities of a professional educator
   • Works with families in supporting student learning
   • Maintains positive relationships with other professionals
   • Works with colleagues to improve professional practice

Adapted from UMN-SFPS Teacher Standards and Competencies