Section 26.460  Reflection and Professional Growth

The competent elementary teacher is a reflective practitioner who continually evaluates how choices and actions affect students, parents, and other professionals in the learning community and actively seeks opportunities to grow professionally.

a)         Knowledge Indicators – The competent elementary teacher:

1)         understands that reflection is an integral part of professional growth and improvement of instruction.

2)         understands methods of inquiry that provide for a variety of self-assessment and problem-solving strategies.

3)         understands major resources for professional development, including professional literature, professional associations, professional development opportunities, and procedures for action-based research.

b)         Performance Indicators – The competent elementary teacher:

1)         uses classroom observation, information about students, pedagogical knowledge, and research as sources for active reflection, evaluation, and revision of practice.

2)         collaborates with other professionals as resources for problem-solving, generating new ideas, sharing experiences, and seeking and giving feedback.

3)         participates in continuous learning to support his or her own development.

4)         applies knowledge of current research related to national, State, and local guidelines/standards.