1A. A teacher who demonstrates knowledge of content and pedagogy:

• Displays extensive knowledge of subject matter
• Uses a variety of strategies such as :
  • "Teaching for Understanding"
  • differentiated instruction
  • integration of student personal experiences

1B. A teacher who demonstrates knowledge of students:

• Recognizes characteristics of behavioral, emotional, social and physical developmental stages
• Has knowledge of students’ interests, learning preferences and cultural heritage
• Adjusts lessons and expectations based on information gained from a variety of sources such as student feedback, colleagues, and parents

1C. A teacher who selects instructional goals:

• Adheres to and follows NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards, Cranford curricula, and district goals
• Establishes and reevaluates instructional goals and clearly identifies understanding goals
• Identifies essential questions that focus attention on the "big ideas"

1D. A teacher who demonstrates knowledge of resources:

• Integrates multimedia technology into the instructional process
• Utilizes schoolwide resources such as the media center
• Collaborates with colleagues
• Utilizes outside resources – community, family, etc.
• Instructs children in ways to use resources
• Keeps abreast of current research

1E. A teacher who designs coherent instruction:

• Participates in curriculum mapping
• Plans with the end in mind (backward design)
• Articulates between grade levels and subject areas
• Creates learning activities that are meaningful, creative and purposeful
• Teaches to the multiple intelligences

1F. A teacher who assesses student learning:

2A. A teacher who creates an environment of respect and rapport:

• Demonstrates caring and respect for individual students
• Encourages student interactions that are polite and respectful
• Interacts in a professional manner with team members, colleagues, paraprofessionals, volunteers and aides
• Listens and accepts different views
• Builds confidence
• Knows his or her students

2B. A teacher who establishes a culture for learning:

• Motivates students by conveying enthusiasm for the subject
• Encourages participation
• Validates students’ thoughts and opinions
• Invites questions in a risk-free environment
• Assigns work of high quality that reflects student pride
• Sets reasonable expectations for learning and achievement

2C. A teacher who manages classroom procedures:

• Establishes and maintains classroom rules and routines
• Organizes an assortment of instructional groups for maximum learning
• Transitions smoothly with little loss of instructional time
• Handles materials and supplies efficiently
• Efficiently performs non-instructional duties
• Is consistent
• Clearly communicates expectations
• Demonstrates organization and flexibility

2D. A teacher who manages student behavior:

• Sets clear standards of conduct and consequences
• Monitors student behavior
• Responds to student misbehavior in an appropriate and respectful manner
• Communicates with parents/guardians when necessary

2E. A teacher who organizes physical space:

• Provides a safe classroom environment
• Organizes furniture, materials, and equipment to optimize learning
• Provides a welcoming learning atmosphere

3A. A teacher who communicates clearly and accurately:

• Explains clearly, reviews, reinforces and shows examples
• Models and demonstrates
• Asks questions, re-directs and re-phrases
• Emphasizes, summarizes and repeats
• Paces instruction appropriately

3B. A teacher who uses questioning and discussion techniques:

• Cites purpose using prior knowledge
• Re-words, re-phrases and prompts
• Use different levels of questioning (to encourage critical thinking)
• Uses "wait time" effectively
• Motivates, facilitates and keeps focus on discussion
• Creates a non-threatening atmosphere

3C. A teacher who engages students in learning:

• Models a love of learning
• Varies techniques and modalities
• Connects learning to real life and student interest
• Utilizes various forms of media/technology

3D. A teacher who provides feedback to students:

• Gives constructive feedback in a timely manner
• Is accessible to students
• Provides opportunities for alternative assessment (rubrics, portfolios, peer critiques, self-evaluation)

3E. A teacher who demonstrates flexibility and responsiveness:

4A. A teacher who reflects on teaching:

• Self-assesses with the goal of improving future instruction
• Evaluates and assesses on an ongoing basis
• Paces lessons according to student needs, and re-teaches, extends, and moves on when appropriate
• Seeks and considers feedback from students, parents, colleagues, supervisors, administrators
• Keeps a reflective journal, where appropriate
• Uses data to modify instruction (including IEPs)
• Collaborates with peers and supervisors

 4B. A teacher who maintains accurate records:

• Is well organized
• Keeps an organized plan/grade book, including dates, attendance, assignments, clear explanation of grading system, lesson plans
• Keeps timely records
• Keeps records of all parental contact
• Keeps samples of student work

 4C. A teacher who communicates with families:

• Keeps families informed and updated about student successes, progress, and concerns
• Maintains contact through various means
• Is available, approachable, sensitive, professional
• Communicates student needs and concerns in a positive way
• Is proactive
• Provides ongoing information about the instructional program and/or classroom activities

 4D. A teacher who contributes to the school and district:

• Builds rapport with students and staff
• Is a team player
• Shares common goals
• Supports school and district activities
• Supports the PTA
• Models good citizenship

4E. A teacher who grows and develops professionally:

• Seeks or attends professional development that enhances content knowledge and pedagogical skills
• Keeps current with subject matter and teaching methodology
• Applies current research to enhance instruction
• Maintains membership in professional organization(s) and/or reads applicable literature
• Shares and exchanges professional ideas
• Interacts with other educators through such methods as visiting other classrooms, visiting other schools and/or districts, mentoring new teachers and/or pre-service teachers

4F. A teacher who shows professionalism:

• Models professional appearance
• Maintains confidentiality and appropriate privacy
• Uses and keeps sense of humor but avoids sarcasm
• Conducts oneself in an ethical way
• Is punctual and respects deadlines
• Maintains composure
• Shows a passion for teaching and pride for the profession
• Serves as a positive role model for students, colleagues, and the community