TEACHING STANDARDS

PROFESSIONAL GROWTH

Effective mathematics and science teachers actively seek and participate in professional growth opportunities for themselves and their colleagues and contribute to the professional growth programs of their respective professional organizations.

Exemplary mathematics and science teachers, as active members of the school and other educational associations, work to strengthen the school as a learning community for students, teachers, and others interested in education.

Effective mathematics and science teachers contribute to the improvement of the school's instructional program and collaborate with curriculum specialists, teachers, and other professionals to:

• decide on the curriculum content, scope and sequence, teaching strategies, and instructional materials to implement in their school,
• adapt mathematics and science content to meet the interests, knowledge, skills, and needs of their students,
• ensure that students with special needs have positive mathematics and science learning experiences,
• provide resources for their colleagues in other disciplines and collaborate in planning and designing curricula,
• make decisions concerning the allocation of time and resources to the mathematics and science programs.

Effective mathematics and science teachers advance the knowledge and practice of their colleagues at the school and beyond. In so doing, they:

• design and carry out professional activities in mathematics and science, including mentoring preservice and novice teachers,
• observe and provide feedback on the instructional approaches of colleagues and, in return, welcome their peers in their classrooms and laboratories,
• put on demonstrations of successful practices, organize workshops, and recommend particular workshops and courses that would improve their content knowledge and teaching strategies and those of their colleagues.

Highly effective mathematics and science teachers take active roles in their own professional organizations in a variety of ways. They may:

• contribute to and participate in their meetings, conferences, and seminars whenever possible,
• work collaboratively with colleagues in other areas and confer regularly with supervisory staff about their teaching and staff developmental needs.

Professional mathematics and science teachers are aware of the work of their local, state, or national education organizations and share the responsibility for strengthening the efforts of these organizations to accomplish the goals envisioned in these standards.