Teacher Education Program

New Jersey Professional Teaching Standards

1. Subject Matter Knowledge.  Teachers shall understand the central concepts, tools of inquiry, structures of the discipline, especially as they relate to the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards, and design developmentally appropriate learning experiences making the subject matter accessible and meaningful to all students.
2. Human Growth and Development.  Teachers shall understand how children and adolescents develop and learn in a variety of school, family, and community contexts and provide opportunities that support their intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development.
3. DiverseLearners.  Teachers shall understand the practice of culturally responsive teaching.
4. Instructional Planning and Strategies.  Teachers shall understand instructional planning, design long- and short-term plans based upon knowledge of subject matter, students, community, and curriculum goals, and shall employ a variety of developmentally appropriate strategies in order to promote critical thinking, problem solving and the performance skills of all learners.
5. Assessment.  Teachers shall understand and use multiple assessment strategies and interpret results to evaluate and promote student learning and to modify instruction in order to foster the continuous development of students.
6. Learning Environment.  Teachers shall understand individual and group motivation and behavior and shall create a supportive, safe and respectful learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning and self-motivation.
7. Special Needs.  Teachers shall adapt and modify instruction to accommodate the special learning needs of all students.
8. Communication.  Teachers shall use knowledge of effective verbal, nonverbal and written communication techniques and the tools of information literacy to foster the use of inquiry, collaboration and supportive interactions.
9. Collaboration and Partnerships.  Teachers shall build relationships with parents, guardians, families and agencies in the larger community to support students’ learning and well-being.
10. Professional Development.  Teachers shall participate as active, responsible members of the professional community, engaging in a wide range of reflective practices, pursuing opportunities to grow professionally and establishing collegial relationships to enhance the teaching and learning process.

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