TExES Competencies aligned with Education 1301

Catherine Jeffers

Competency 001: The teacher understands human development processes and applies this
knowledge to plan instruction and ongoing assessment that motivate students and are responsive
to their developmental characteristics and needs.

It is important to know the stages of cognitive, social, physical and emotional development of
students of the ages you teach. This will help me understand individual developmental
differences of my students and the implications of this development variation for instructional
planning. Analyzing and knowledge will impact learning and performance and applies to the
student’s developmental variation for instructional planning.

Competency 002: The teacher understands student diversity and knows how to plan learning
experiences and design assessments that are responsive to differences among students and that
promote all students’ learning.

I will accept and respect student’s diversity of their backgrounds and needs. I will plan and
adapt my lessons to address my student’s backgrounds, skills, learning needs and interests
including ESL and students with disabilities. As a teacher I will build relationships with my
students out in the community, as well as with their parents.

Competency 003: The teacher understands procedures for designing effective and coherent
instruction and assessment based on appropriate learning goals and objectives.

As a teacher I will understand the TExES knowledge and skills needed to determine instructional
goals and objectives. Use assessments correctly to analyze student’s strengths and needs,
evaluate my effectiveness and guided instructional planning for individuals and groups. I will
use appropriate ways to evaluate learning goals including clarity, relevance, age-appropriateness,
background, needs and interests, and work with in my campus and district goals.

Competency 004: The teacher understands learning processes and factors that impact student
learning and demonstrates this knowledge by planning effective, engaging instruction and
appropriate assessments.

I will understand the importance or learning theory in the instructional process and use the
correct instructional strategies and appropriate technologies to teach students. I will understand
that young children think concretely and rely on motor and sensory inputs and direct experience
for development of skills and knowledge.

Competency 005: The teacher knows how to establish a classroom climate that fosters learning,
equity and excellence and uses this knowledge to create a physical and emotional environment
that is safe and productive.

As a teacher I will understand the various teacher roles such as lecturer and facilitator and will
also understand student roles like active learner, observer, and group participant to impact my
students learning. I will encourage cooperation, provide opportunities for students to interact
and discuss class topics and feelings about classroom studies and activities. Also, I will present
instruction in ways that is exciting for both me and the students. I will continue to have high
expectations for all students throughout the year.

Competency 006: The teacher understands strategies for creating an organized and productive
learning environment and for managing student behavior.

As a teacher I will apply theories and techniques to manage and monitor my student’s behavior
in the classroom and on campus. I will understand how young children function in a group
setting and design group activities that provide young children to collaborate well with others. I
will be well organized maintaining my grade book, attendance, and parent communication. As a
teacher I will understand the importance of time and manage my students to get as much
instructional actives as needed. I will work well with volunteers, co-teachers, co-works, and
paraprofessionals.

Competency 007: The teacher understands and applies principles and strategies for
communicating effectively in varied teaching and learning contexts.

As a teacher I will demonstrate clear, accurate communication in the teaching and learning
process and be a good example to my students in my actions and my language used. I will
engage my students in skilled questioning and lead students in discussion to explore content. I
will hope to expand student’s knowledge, higher order of thinking, and problem-solving skills to
help them in the future as a student.

Competency 008: The teacher provides appropriate instruction that actively engages students in
the learning process.

As a teacher I will apply effective motivation and instructional effectiveness. I will help provide
a foundation of English language vocabulary, grammar, syntax and mechanics to understand
content-based instruction accordance with the ELPS. I will apply criteria for evaluating the
appropriateness of instructional activities, materials, resources and technologies for all level of
student’s characteristics and needs.

Competency 009: The teacher incorporates the effective use of technology to plan, organize,
deliver and evaluate instruction for all students.

As a teacher I will understand issues related to the appropriate use of technology according to my
school districts policy and follow guidelines for the legal and ethical use of technology and
digital information such as privacy and copyrights. I will also maintain knowledge of current
basic terms and concepts such as software applications and functions, input/output devices and
networks.

Competency 010: The teacher monitors student performance and achievement; provides students
with timely, high-quality feedback; and responds flexibly to promote learning for all students.
As a teacher I will be flexible to many different situations such as students not wanting to engage
in activity. I will adjust instructional approaches based on going assessment of student’s
performance. I will show knowledge of the characteristics, uses, advantages and limitations of
various assessment methods and strategies.

Competency 011: The teacher understands the importance of family involvement in children’s
education and knows how to interact and communicate effectively with families.

As a teacher I will effectively use appropriate ways to work and communicate with families in
various situations. I will engage parents in various aspects of the educational program. Also, I
will conduct effective conferences with parents, guardians or other legal caregivers.

Competency 012: The teacher enhances professional knowledge and skills by effectively
interacting with other members of the educational community and participating in various types
of professional activities.

As a teacher I will I will know the roles and responsibilities of specialists and other professionals
at the building and district level. I will interact appropriately with all other professionals in the
school community. I will engage in reflection and self-assessment to identify strengths and
challenges to improve my performance and achieve my professional goals.

Competency 013: The teacher understands and adheres to legal and ethical requirements for
educators and is knowledgeable of the structure of education in Texas.

As a teacher I will advocate for all students and for my profession in various situations. I will
follow procedures and requirements for maintaining accurate student records. I will
understand the importance of and adhere to required procedure for administering state and
district mandated assessments.