Example from Courtney Chauvette

Domain 2: Instruction

2a: Communicating Clearly & Accurately:

Ø      Through Observation

Ø      Open communication is consistent in the classroom. Please observe notes, emails  and communication log for explicit details. I also provide the parents and students with a teacher webpage that discusses classroom procedures, teacher expectations, and current lessons.

Ø      Students are also given a quick overview of the class before a new lesson is taught. This gives the students an overall focus for the lesson before it begins.

Ø      Communication through visuals: Please note the communication board in the classroom. Here students see the agenda for the day, the homework for the week, and the “Big Idea”  for the day.

2b: Using Questioning and Discussion Techniques:

Ø      Through Observation

Ø      See lesson plans and unit plan.

Ø      Most lessons incorporate a variety of questioning techniques that guide learners to a higher level of thinking. I encourage classroom conversation and hope that further connections will be made within the classroom.

Ø      The “Big Idea” is used regularly to engage students in the lesson at hand. Students answer a stop and think question and then share their answers as a class. This allows students to begin thinking about the “big idea” or essential questions we discuss in class.

2c: Engaging Students in Learning:

Ø      Through Observation

Ø      Child Labor Unit/Other Lesson Plans provided

o        Here students are encouraged to engage prior knowledge and take ownership over the curriculum studied

2d: Providing Feedback to Students:

Ø      Through Observation

Ø      See lesson plans and student work provided

Ø      Teacher feedback is a key component to the classroom. Teachers are constantly providing feedback to the students during formal and informal assignments. It is common practice to move around the room during an assignment and make “quick checks” with the students work. At this time, I am also providing feedback to their work and raising higher level thinking questions.

2e: Demonstrating Flexibility and Responsiveness:

Ø      Through Observation

Ø      Unit Plans/Lesson Plans

Ø      I am constantly changing lesson plans from one time to another. My lesson plans are covered with sticky notes of “how to” improvement ideas. I meet with colleagues to discuss curricula and discuss ways to improve lesson plans.

2f: Establishing a Culture for Learning:

Ø      Through Observation

Ø      It is not uncommon for me to become close to my students. I believe this is because I firmly believe in the diversity in the classroom. I discuss how a team is like a family. Students are encouraged to work with different students on class assignments.

Ø      Students are encouraged to share their unique qualities in class.

Ø      Students are reminded that success is not only a good grade, but a lot of hard work and the pride that a student puts into their work.

Ø      Differentiation in class projects is common. Here students can demonstrate their unique interests in the classroom.

2g: Assessing Student Learning:

Ø      Through Observation

Ø      Students are assessed on a formal and informal basis. Tests, quizzes and projects are often used to evaluate student understanding. However, informal assessment also occurs. This includes teacher observations, informal questioning, and one on one teacher/student conferences. Student portfolio’s are also kept in the classroom to use in reflection and making connections.

2h: Organizing and Managing the Classroom:

Ø      Through Observation

Ø      Students are organized in groups throughout the year to encourage student interaction. This allows for an easy transition onto an assignment through a class period. Students also use cooperative learning groups to establish classroom behavior.

Ø      I am an extremely organized teacher. Students notebooks are arranged by sections to teach organization of class materials. The classroom is also set up for easy student use. The students have a “community”  area where they can sharpen pencils, staple papers, or take a piece of paper when needed. Each class is also given an “inbox” to place all assignments that I will grade. This provides a safe place for student work. Finally, every student is given a file folder to keep their work in.

Ø      Communication Board – The class is provided with a communication board. Here students are given the daily agenda and the classroom assignments for the upcoming week.