EDTPA TIPS FOR TEACHER CANDIDATES
Complete your edTPA during the first half of student teaching.
Create an edTPA-specific binder (electronic or physical or both) to collect and back up all work.
Label and save documents and videos with clear file names to facilitate uploading.
Pay for your edTPA early to force commitment.
Use an edTPA-aligned lesson plan and unit plan form.
Create a five-lesson segment out of your unit (five is better than three in meeting all requirements).
Understand how to set up and use the video equipment with enough depth to be able to teach the cooperating teacher how to use it and practice videotaping your teaching before student teacher.
Watch videotaped lessons the day they are recorded and take notes using a video worksheet to mark clips for Task 2 and 3.
Videotape all lessons in your unit (at least three, but five or six is better).
Before beginning your edTPA unit, know how and when assessments of student learning will occur.
Make sure to have connections between standards, objectives and tasks in all three domains. Explain these connections clearly and concisely in commentaries.
Utilize the "Understanding Rubric Progressions" document from SCALE to self-assess your edTPA before submission.
Use a remote or lavaliere microphone with the video camera to increase chances of being heard. This is absolutely required when teaching outside; otherwise, the candidate will need to transcribe what is being said throughout the lesson.
Back up and save all your edTPA-related work in at least two places.
Scan and create copies of student assessments, feedback given to students on written work or exit slips, etc. Downloading the CamScanner application for smartphones helps.
Related to academic language: know the differences between a language function, discourse and syntax. Create learning tasks that have students in your PE classes using all three.
Present your best professional disposition in all edTPA materials. [2]
TIMELINE FOR SUCCESS
Establishing a timeline with due dates will help teacher candidates stay on track toward completing edTPA. Teacher candidates will want to outline each step of the process and include all parts of each task. Below is a partial example, a complete timeline included in the referenced publication below.
Adapted with permission from the comprehensive online preparation guide. [1]
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Official edTPA website to register, manage, and submit your portfolio through Pearson Education.
This document by SCALE (Stanford Center for Assessment, Learning, & Equity) serves as a support guide for teacher candidates in addition to the handbook.
REFERENCES
Johnson, R. A., Brummit, N. (2021). Physical education edTPA online preparation guide. Human Kinetics: Champaign, IL.
Treadwell, S. M., Cameron, J. L., Manson, M. (2017). EdTPA and physical education: Tips for success for all stakeholders. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, 88(5), 39-55.