Iowa Teaching Standards

Standard 1

Demonstrates ability to enhance academic performance and support for

implementation of the school district’s student achievement goals.

a. Provides evidence of student learning to students, families, and staff.

b. Implements strategies supporting student, building, and district goals.

c. Uses student performance data as a guide for decision making.

d. Accepts and demonstrates responsibility for creating a classroom culture that

supports the learning of every student.

e. Creates an environment of mutual respect, rapport, and fairness.

f. Participates in and contributes to a school culture that focuses on improved student

learning.

g. Communicates with students, families, colleagues, and communities effectively and

accurately.

Standard 2

Demonstrates competence in content knowledge appropriate to the teaching

position.

a. Understands and uses key concepts, underlying themes, relationships, and different

perspectives related to the content area.

b. Uses knowledge of student development to make learning experiences in the

content area meaningful and accessible for every student.

c. Relates ideas and information within and across content areas.

d. Understands and uses instructional strategies that are appropriate to the content

area.

Standard 3

Demonstrates competence in planning and preparing for instruction.

a. Uses student achievement data, local standards, and the district curriculum in

planning for instruction.

b. Sets and communicates high expectations for social, behavioral, and academic

success of all students.

c. Uses student’s developmental needs, backgrounds, and interests in planning for

instruction.

d. Selects strategies to engage all students in learning.

e. Uses available resources, including technologies, in the development and

sequencing of instruction.

Standard 4

Uses strategies to deliver instruction that meets the multiple learning needs of

students.

a. Aligns classroom instruction with local standards and district curriculum.

b. Uses research-based instructional strategies that address the full range of cognitive

levels.

c. Demonstrates flexibility and responsiveness in adjusting instruction to meet student

needs.

d. Engages students in varied experiences that meet diverse needs and promote

social, emotional, and academic growth.

e. Connects students’ prior knowledge, life experiences, and interests in the

instructional process.

f. Uses available resources, including technologies, in the delivery of instruction.

Standard 5

Uses a variety of methods to monitor student learning.

a. Aligns classroom assessment with instruction.

b. Communicates assessment criteria and standards to all students and parents.

c. Understands and uses the results of multiple assessments to guide planning and

instruction.

d. Guides students in goal setting and assessing their own learning.

e. Provides substantive, timely, and constructive feedback to students and parents.

f. Works with other staff and building and district leadership in analysis of student

progress.

Standard 6

Demonstrates competence in classroom management.

a. Creates a learning community that encourages positive social interaction, active

engagement, and self-regulation for every student.

b. Establishes, communicates, models, and maintains standards of responsible student

behavior.

c. Develops and implements classroom procedures and routines that support high

expectations for student learning.

d. Uses instructional time effectively to maximize student achievement.

e. Creates a safe and purposeful learning environment.

Standard 7

Engages in professional growth.

a. Demonstrates habits and skills of continuous inquiry and learning.

b. Works collaboratively to improve professional practice and student learning.

c. Applies research, knowledge, and skills from professional development opportunities

to improve practice.

d. Establishes and implements professional development plans based upon the

teacher’s needs aligned to the Iowa teaching standards and district/building student

achievement goals.

Standard 8

Fulfills professional responsibilities established by the school district.

a. Adheres to board policies, district procedures, and contractual obligations.

b. Demonstrates professional and ethical conduct as defined by state law and district

policy.

c. Contributes to efforts to achieve district and building goals.

d. Demonstrates an understanding of and respect for all learners and staff.

e. Collaborates with students, families, colleagues, and communities to enhance

student learning.