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Iowa Teaching Standards and Professional Development Plan Form
Using the Iowa Teaching Standards to Improve Your Practice
Ok, I am going to admit it out loud...each time my three year evaluation came rolling around, I would simply jump through the hoop, knowing "This to shall pass." I failed to understand several things. I don't know how or where I missed it, but I did, big time.
If you are like me, the evaluation process is simply a hoop every few years and your PD plan was as generic as possible, even using the same one year after year. But if used correctly, they can and will help you become a more effective teacher.
The idea behind the yearly PD plan is for the teacher to both reflect and to look forward. They are set forth by the State of Iowa and serve as your Standards, those areas on which you will be evaluated. Most principals will require evidence, either observed during the formal evaluation, such as student engagement or connects prior knowledge, and/or physical evidence, such as a phone log or course syllabus. You will use the Standards in the same way that your administrator does, as a tool to guide past, present, and future improvement. These are not intended for "I caught ya" moments, rather they are a guide for what quality teachers do. The Standards can be found on the top left document or directly from the Iowa Department of Education. I encourage you to print a copy and keep it close at hand so that it can be a reference for you.
Taking a closer look at the Standards:
Standard 1 Demonstrates ability to enhance academic performance and support for implementation of the school district’s student achievement goals.
Standard 2 Demonstrates competence in content knowledge appropriate to the teaching position.
Standard 3 Demonstrates competence in planning and preparing for instruction.
Standard 4 Uses strategies to deliver instruction that meets the multiple learning needs of students.
Standard 5 Uses a variety of methods to monitor student learning.
Standard 6 Demonstrates competence in classroom management.
Standard 7 Engages in professional growth.
Standard 8 Fulfills professional responsibilities established by the school district.
Listed under each Standard there is the criteria (point of reference) that demonstrates your competency in each area. Let's take a closer look at a few examples:
Standard 3 Demonstrates competence in planning and preparing for instruction.
Criteria
The teacher:
Uses student achievement data, local standards, and the district curriculum in planning for instruction.
Are you using the data from what your students have actually learned, not what you have taught, to guide your next steps in instruction?
Standard 6 Demonstrates competence in classroom management.
Criteria
The teacher:
Uses instructional time effectively to maximize student achievement.
Are you being intentional with your time and the students' time to maximize the actual minutes during the day so that they have ample time to receive instruction, practice, and apply their skills and understanding of concepts? You may have a fun game or a craft that you want to do with the children, but have you asked yourself if this is the best use of time to maximize student achievement to reach the Iowa Core Standards? There is nothing wrong with fun and creative ideas, just make sure they are supporting the skills and concepts the children must master.
Standard 8 Fulfills professional responsibilities established by the school district.
Criteria
The teacher:
Demonstrates professional and ethical conduct as defined by state law and district policy.
Are you being extra cautious with not only your behavior but being aware of appearances of misconduct? Keeping your classroom door open when visiting with one child. Keeping text and social media posts related only to school activities. Are you previewing YouTube videos or other group media? Whatever you can do to keep above reproach, do that.
If you are new to education, I suggest you maintain a portfolio of examples around the Iowa State Standards. Before you are able to receive your full licenses (after year 2 or 3), your building administrator needs to be clear that you are meeting and striving to improve on each of these 8 Iowa Teaching Standards. If you are a seasoned professional, I encourage you not to look at your re-evaluation as a one-time hoop to jump through. Really review the Standards and ask yourself where you can improve. My mind goes to my doctor. Before he/she performs surgery, I expect that they have stayed up-to-date on the best and latest practices. As professional educators, we need to do the same.
If you are like me, the evaluation process is simply a hoop every few years and your PD plan was as generic as possible, even using the same one year after year. But if used correctly, they can and will help you become a more effective teacher.
The idea behind the yearly PD plan is for the teacher to both reflect and to look forward. They are set forth by the State of Iowa and serve as your Standards, those areas on which you will be evaluated. Most principals will require evidence, either observed during the formal evaluation, such as student engagement or connects prior knowledge, and/or physical evidence, such as a phone log or course syllabus. You will use the Standards in the same way that your administrator does, as a tool to guide past, present, and future improvement. These are not intended for "I caught ya" moments, rather they are a guide for what quality teachers do. The Standards can be found on the top left document or directly from the Iowa Department of Education. I encourage you to print a copy and keep it close at hand so that it can be a reference for you.
Taking a closer look at the Standards:
Standard 1 Demonstrates ability to enhance academic performance and support for implementation of the school district’s student achievement goals.
Standard 2 Demonstrates competence in content knowledge appropriate to the teaching position.
Standard 3 Demonstrates competence in planning and preparing for instruction.
Standard 4 Uses strategies to deliver instruction that meets the multiple learning needs of students.
Standard 5 Uses a variety of methods to monitor student learning.
Standard 6 Demonstrates competence in classroom management.
Standard 7 Engages in professional growth.
Standard 8 Fulfills professional responsibilities established by the school district.
Listed under each Standard there is the criteria (point of reference) that demonstrates your competency in each area. Let's take a closer look at a few examples:
Standard 3 Demonstrates competence in planning and preparing for instruction.
Criteria
The teacher:
Uses student achievement data, local standards, and the district curriculum in planning for instruction.
Are you using the data from what your students have actually learned, not what you have taught, to guide your next steps in instruction?
Standard 6 Demonstrates competence in classroom management.
Criteria
The teacher:
Uses instructional time effectively to maximize student achievement.
Are you being intentional with your time and the students' time to maximize the actual minutes during the day so that they have ample time to receive instruction, practice, and apply their skills and understanding of concepts? You may have a fun game or a craft that you want to do with the children, but have you asked yourself if this is the best use of time to maximize student achievement to reach the Iowa Core Standards? There is nothing wrong with fun and creative ideas, just make sure they are supporting the skills and concepts the children must master.
Standard 8 Fulfills professional responsibilities established by the school district.
Criteria
The teacher:
Demonstrates professional and ethical conduct as defined by state law and district policy.
Are you being extra cautious with not only your behavior but being aware of appearances of misconduct? Keeping your classroom door open when visiting with one child. Keeping text and social media posts related only to school activities. Are you previewing YouTube videos or other group media? Whatever you can do to keep above reproach, do that.
If you are new to education, I suggest you maintain a portfolio of examples around the Iowa State Standards. Before you are able to receive your full licenses (after year 2 or 3), your building administrator needs to be clear that you are meeting and striving to improve on each of these 8 Iowa Teaching Standards. If you are a seasoned professional, I encourage you not to look at your re-evaluation as a one-time hoop to jump through. Really review the Standards and ask yourself where you can improve. My mind goes to my doctor. Before he/she performs surgery, I expect that they have stayed up-to-date on the best and latest practices. As professional educators, we need to do the same.
