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. Teachers realize and understand that students grow and develop over time. In
this understanding a teacher must adapt her classroom around student development and constantly
engage students and motivate them to succeed and learn all that they can.

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.
As teachers we must embrace all different cultures and backgrounds of students. Our classrooms are a
place where students come to learn and grow into the young adults of our society. Teachers classrooms
need to be structured around the diversity in our country today so that all students can feel comfortable
and learn about all backgrounds and cultures.

Competency 003:

The teacher understands procedures for designing effective and coherent instruction and assessment
based on appropriate learning goals and objectives. The lessons that we teach daily must be effective in
helping students learn and develop. Teachers need to plan lessons that engage students and make sure
that each lesson is presented in a way that all students can understand and learn to the best of their
abilities.

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. Teachers that
plan effective, engaging instruction and appropriate assessments will keep students learning and having
fun. Appropriate assessments will help a teacher to know if his or her students are not only learning but
obtaining the information that is given to them. Keeping students engaged helps them learn so they do
not get bored.

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.
Students need to feel safe and know that they can learn in an environment that is free from any kind of
bullying. As teachers we must create an environment that makes students not only feel safe but also
where they feel that their opinions matter and what they have to say is important. This is crucial for
students to learn and find their potential.
Competency 006:

The teacher understands strategies for creating an organized and productive learning environment and
for managing student behavior. Classroom management is a must in a teaching career. Teachers must
keep classrooms productive and functioning smoothly for a proper learning environment to be created.
If teachers can keep their classrooms organized and productive students will learn and have fun.

Competency 007:

The teacher understands and applies principles and strategies for communicating effectively in varied
teaching and learning contexts. Effective communication is essential to a teaching career. Teachers not
only have to communicate with students but also other staff members and parents. Effective
communication is how all parties involved can help students to be productive and learn.

Competency 008:

The teacher provides appropriate instruction that actively engages students in the learning process.
Teachers that can effectively engage students in the learning process can greatly help students to learn
the curriculum that is being presented to them. If a student feels that they are being engaged in the
classroom and that their opinion matters students will be more productive in their learning.

Competency 009:

The teacher incorporates the effective use of technology to plan, organize, deliver and evaluate
instruction for all students. Technology is a major part not only in students lives but also teachers lives.
By incorporating technology effectively in classrooms today teachers can provide different ways to teach
students and help them learn to the best of their abilities and to effectively help students grow.

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. A teacher that monitors a
student’s performance can greatly improve a student’s performance. When teachers give students
feedback on their performance it allows students to see where they can improve and will show both
students and teachers strengths and weaknesses.
Competency 011:

The teacher understands the importance of family involvement in children’s education and knows how
to interact and communicate effectively with families. Communication with parents and families is
essential to help students in their learning development. As teachers we must remember that families
are important to a student’s success and effective learning. Teachers can communicate with families
about where students need improvement and where students are doing well in the classroom.

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. Teachers can
learn from other staff members and share knowledge and skills to better help students in the learning
process. Teachers that can participate in professional activities within the community can help students
and parents in learning processes and development.

Competency 013:

The teacher understands and adheres to legal and ethical requirements for educators and is
knowledgeable of the structure of education in Texas. All teachers should now the laws of teaching in
Texas and know all ethical requirements and what is required of them to keep students safe. Structure is
important in students learning development and will help to make students succeed and see their
potential. By knowing and understanding the laws and ethical requirements a teacher can provided a
safe and productive environment for students to learn and succeed.