Standards for Teachers of Career and Technical Education

Standard #1: Creating a Productive Learning Environment - Knowledge of Students.

The career and technical teacher demonstrates knowledge of learners in the instructional process.

Performances

1. The teacher identifies and utilizes a variety of resources to engage learners in the learning process.
2. The teacher identifies learning styles.
3. The teacher identifies the culture and diversity of his/her students.
4. The teacher designs a learning process utilizing learning styles, learner interests, and aptitude assessment data.

Knowledge

1. The teacher understands that learners have individual needs.
2. The teacher can identify legal and administrative support services available for exceptional needs learners.
3. The teacher recognizes cultural diversity.
4. The teacher understands various learning styles.
5. The teacher is familiar with a variety of motivational techniques.
6. The teacher understands strategies appropriate for various learner needs.

Dispositions

1. The teacher is sensitive to the learners' backgrounds, environments, various skills, talents, and interests.
2. The teacher has empathy for all learners.
3. The teacher believes all learners can be successful.

Standard #2: Creating a Productive Learning Environment - Knowledge of the Content and Instructional Resources.

The career and technical education teacher demonstrates knowledge of content and instructional resources pertaining to basic skills, the world of work, and the skills and processes of industry.

Performances

1. The teacher demonstrates, in the area taught, specific occupational skills necessary for employment.
2. The teacher utilizes a variety of occupational experiences to keep skills current.
3. The teacher uses current terminology and technology to demonstrate the use of tools, equipment, and materials necessary for the occupation.
4. The teacher exhibits leadership skills and promotes those skills in learners.
5. The teacher writes and evaluates objectives and competencies.
6. The teacher demonstrates competency in the use of instructional resources.

Knowledge

1. The teacher has an understanding of technology.
2. The teacher uses basic skills and appropriate advanced technology for applying mathematical principles.
3. The teacher uses the terminology, machinery, tools, and materials within the occupational area.
4. The teacher is aware of the trends of business, industry, crafts, and trades.
5. The teacher is familiar with the skills necessary for leadership.
6. The teacher understands how to use a variety of instructional media.
7. The teacher understands how to use a variety of instructional resources.

Dispositions

1. The teacher understands the importance of objectives and competencies.
2. The teacher values leadership qualities.
3. The teacher appreciates the importance of reacting to current workforce needs.
4. The teacher displays the desire to maintain current technical skills and seeks continuous improvement.
5. The teacher believes a variety of instructional resources should be utilized.

Standard #3: Creating a Productive Learning Environment - Learning Environment.

The career and technical education teacher creates an environment that develops democratic values, risk taking, and a desire for lifelong learning.

Performances

1. The teacher demonstrates time management skills, organizational skills, individual instruction, stress management, and the ability to manage the classroom environment.
2. The teacher creates a successful learning environment which includes positive reinforcements for effective work and study habits.
3. The teacher demonstrates characteristics for working relationships including dependability, punctuality, and productive work habits and attitudes.

Knowledge

1. The teacher recognizes basic human relationships as they relate to successful employment.
2. The teacher has acquired skills in organization and time management.
3. The teacher understands a wide variety of good work and study habits.
4. The teacher is aware of safety regulations at school and work sites.
5. The teacher is skilled at anticipating difficulties the learner may encounter.

Dispositions

1. The teacher believes learners should recognize that successes and setbacks are both part of the process of discovery and creation.
2. The teacher values learning, invention, and risk taking.
3. The teacher believes in encouraging the democratic process.
4. The teacher is committed to safety in the learning environment.
5. The teacher believes in classroom efficiency.

Standard #4: Advancing Student Learning - Knowledge of Subject Matter.

The career and technical education teacher selects from a variety of instructional strategies in performance-based learning of subject matter, critical thinking, and problem solving.

Performances

1. The teacher evaluates a variety of strategies for achieving educational goals.
2. The teacher chooses appropriate teaching strategies and resources to accommodate diverse learning styles.
3. The teacher teams with others to integrate academic skills appropriate for the content area.
4. The teacher demonstrates oral, written, and listening communication skills.
5. The teacher incorporates into the instructional process activities to develop learners' thinking and problem-solving skills.
6. The teacher demonstrates competency in the content area.
7. The teacher identifies and uses simulated occupational applications of course content.
8. The teacher utilizes practitioners from business, industry, and government as appropriate for the content area (e.g., an advisory committee) in the instructional process.

Knowledge

1. The teacher knows a variety of assessment and evaluation techniques.
2. The teacher has a repertoire of teaching strategies and resources.
3. The teacher understands and recognizes diverse learning styles.
4. The teacher possesses teaming skills.
5. The teacher is knowledgeable about applying academic skills in the content area.
6. The teacher possesses oral, written, and listening communication skills.
7. The teacher understands techniques of designing instruction.
8. The teacher is knowledgeable in the development of learners' thinking and problem-solving skills.

Dispositions

1. The teacher values a variety of assessment and evaluation techniques.
2. The teacher values multiple teaching and learning strategies.
3. The teacher realizes that a variety of resources should be used to accommodate diverse learning styles.
4. The teacher places high value on integrating academic skills.
5. The teacher values the teaming process.
6. The teacher understands the importance of communication skills in the learning environment.
7. The teacher believes that activities should be designed in the instructional process to develop learners' thinking and problem-solving skills.
8. The teacher values competency in the occupational area.
9. The teacher believes in the application of simulated occupational activities.
10. The teacher believes that a positive relationship should exist between the role of the teacher, the content, and the learner needs.
11. The teacher values the utilization of resource people in the content area.

Standard #5: Advancing Student Learning - Assessment.

The career and technical education teacher understands and uses a variety of assessment and evaluation strategies to assist learners in their intellectual, social, and physical development.

Performances

1. The teacher uses a variety of assessment methods to evaluate learner progress and refine the instructional process.
2. The teacher maintains records of learner performance and progress to provide tangible evidence of learner achievement.
3. The teacher involves learners in self-assessment activities to help them to become aware of their strengths and weaknesses, and to set goals for lifelong learning.

Knowledge

1. The teacher knows how to use appropriate performance tasks, tests, projects, observations, and portfolios to evaluate learner progress.
2. The teacher understands how to use assessment data to evaluate learner progress and the educational process.
3. The teacher knows the importance of maintaining records of learner performance.
4. The teacher understands the importance of assessing instructional methods to refine the education process.
5. The teacher understands and provides learners with methods for self-assessment.
6. The teacher achieves self-assessment through analysis of student performance to determine the program's effectiveness.
7. The teacher knows how to use data from instructor assessments and student progress to evaluate the program's effectiveness.

Dispositions

1. The teacher values appropriate assessment tools and methods.
2. The teacher recognizes the importance of maintaining learner performance and progress records.
3. The teacher believes that assessment data should be used to refine the instructional process.
4. The teacher values the importance of using self-assessment data in setting goals for lifelong learning.

Standard #6: Professional Development & Outreach - Reflective Practice.

The career and technical education teacher reflects on personal practice to improve the effectiveness and quality of learner education.

Performances

1. The teacher updates skills through training and new work experiences.
2. The teacher evaluates personal professionalism.
3. The teacher utilizes constructive criticism from others.
4. The teacher uses measured learner progress as a means of evaluating program effectiveness and quality.

Knowledge

1. The teacher is knowledgeable of new and changing technology, occupational requirements, work etiquette, and instructional strategies.
2. The teacher understands the evaluative process, including methods of inquiry and problem solving.
3. The teacher uses measured learner progress as a means of evaluating program effectiveness and quality.

Dispositions

1. The teacher believes in continual program improvement through the development of new instructional strategies.
2. The teacher values the dignity of work and is committed to keeping current with education and industry needs.
3. The teacher believes in evaluation of self, program, and learner outcome.
4. The teacher values giving and receiving help and in modeling good work habits.
5. The teacher recognizes responsibility in engaging and supporting appropriate professional practices.

Standard#7: Professional Development & Outreach - Collaborative Practice.

The career and technical education teacher fosters collaborative relationships with business, industry, and government in order to extend and enrich opportunities for learners.

Performances

1. The teacher displays the ability to interact with business and industry, labor, government, and community to build effective partnerships.
2. The teacher is actively involved in appropriate professional organizations.
3. The teacher adheres to applicable policies, regulations, and professional ethics.

Knowledge

1. The teacher knows the professional organizations within the occupational area.
2. The teacher knows the importance of integrating academic skills with applied techniques.
3. The teacher understands applicable local, state, and federal policies and regulations as well as professional ethics of the community at large.
4. The teacher learns from sharing ideas and techniques.

Dispositions

1. The teacher values collaboration.
2. The teacher recognizes the value of professional organizations within the occupational area.
3. The teacher participates in appropriate continuing education and occupational experiences beyond the classroom.
4. The teacher values ideas, opinions, and perceptions of business and industry.

Standard #8: Professional Development & Outreach - Contribution to the Profession.

The career and technical education teacher works with colleagues and the professional community to improve schools and to advance knowledge in the occupational area.

Performances

1. The teacher establishes and utilizes advisory committees for program development and improvement.
2. The teacher pursues appropriate credentials.
3. The teacher promotes the profession and contributes to the knowledge base of education and the community.
4. The teacher cooperates with educators in other content areas to develop appropriate instructional strategies and to integrate learning.
5. The teacher participates in appropriate continuing education and occupational experiences beyond the classroom.
6. The teacher actively participates in the profession beyond the classroom.
7. The teacher shares ideas, strategies, and materials with colleagues.

Knowledge

1. The teacher recognizes the contributions of advisory committees.
2. The teacher understands the importance of using the employment community to validate occupational skills.
3. The teacher understands the importance of maximizing professional skills.
4. The teacher understands the profession and how to effect change.
5. The teacher understands how to further professional knowledge.
6. The teacher understands the need for professional activity beyond the classroom.
7. The teacher understands how to work successfully with colleagues.

Dispositions

1. The teacher believes it is important to consult with others regarding occupational preparation.
2. The teacher values the importance of credentials.
3. The teacher respects the perceptions of other education professionals.
4. The teacher believes in helping to further the profession.
5. The teacher values the importance of remaining current in educational practice and in occupational expertise.
6. The teacher believes professional improvement takes place beyond the constraint of the school day.

Standard #9: Professional Development & Outreach - Family and Community Partnerships.

The career and technical education teacher fosters relationships with families and the local community to achieve common goals for all learners.

Performances

1. The teacher works with family and community to improve learning opportunities for all learners.
2. The teacher promotes the school within the community.
3. The teacher actively involves community representatives in learning activities.
4. The teacher is involved in a variety of community activities.
5. The teacher organizes an active vocational student organization.

Knowledge

1. The teacher knows methods which involve family and community in the learning process.
2. The teacher knows how to utilize local input appropriately.
3. The teacher recognizes appropriate strategies for informing the community of school activities.
4. The teacher understands personal limitations in the occupational areas and seeks community assistance.
5. The teacher understands the need for schools to support the local community.
6. The teacher understands the structure and value of student organizations.

Dispositions

1. The teacher values community input.
2. The teacher values the importance of community awareness to promote the success of learners.
3. The teacher believes that student organizations help refine leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

Standard #10: Life Skill Preparation - Workplace Readiness.

The career and technical education teacher involves the learners in a variety of activities to help them understand the changing workplace as they prepare to enter the workforce.

Performances

1. The teacher uses personal work experience to help learners be successful in the workplace.
2. The teacher demonstrates appropriate work ethics.
3. The teacher uses cooperative and collaborative activities.
4. The teacher consults educational professionals, trade professionals, and research to enhance learners' understanding of processes, knowledge, and safety.
5. The teacher follows legislated guidelines to aid learners in understanding the trends and issues of the workplace.

Knowledge

1. The teacher knows the skills and knowledge required in the occupation.
2. The teacher knows the ethics of the workplace.
3. The teacher understands how to provide learners with simulated occupational experiences.
4. The teacher knows how to use educational professionals, trade professionals, and research to enhance learner understanding of processes, knowledge, and safety.
5. The teacher understands how trends and issues affect the workplace.

Dispositions

1. The teacher believes current work experience is an educationally valuable tool.
2. The teacher recognizes the importance of understanding work ethics.
3. The teacher values the importance of cooperative and collaborative activities.
4. The teacher is sensitive to the needs for workplace policy and regulation.
5. The teacher is sensitive to the impact of trends and issues on the workplace.

Standard #11: Life Skill Preparation - Multiple Responsibilities.

The career and technical education teacher prepares learners to meet the competing demands and responsibilities of the workplace.

Performances

1. The teacher designs instructional strategies that incorporate diversity issues.
2. The teacher creates situations requiring higher level thinking.
3. The teacher prepares learners to cope with competing demands between work and personal life.
4. The teacher demonstrates a readiness to assist in career awareness at all levels.
5. The teacher promotes interpersonal cooperation and respect.

Knowledge

1. The teacher understands diversity issues.
2. The teacher knows how to develop higher level thinking skills
3. The teacher understands the relationships of work and personal life.
4. The teacher knows how to promote career awareness at all levels.
5. The teacher understands the impact of personal interactions.

Dispositions

1. The teacher is sensitive to personal and workplace interactions.
2. The teacher recognizes the need for higher level thinking skills.
3. The teacher believes that career awareness is important at all levels.
4. The teacher believes that positive interactions are essential to learner success.

Standard #12: Life Skill Preparation - Life Skills.

The career and technical education teacher assists learners in developing self-awareness and confidence as well as sound personal and social values.

Performances

1. The teacher identifies specific cultural needs within the community.
2. The teacher uses a variety of instructional strategies which address cultural diversity.
3. The teacher uses strategies which improve the learners' self-esteem and self-awareness.

Knowledge

1. The teacher understands cultural diversity and its effect on learner interaction and self-esteem.
2. The teacher knows techniques and strategies which enhance cooperative learning.
3. The teacher knows how to address the variety of family, social, and civic values of the community.
4. The teacher understands how to use strategies that promote self-awareness and an appreciation of diversity.
5. The teacher knows how to prepare learners to use social skills.

Dispositions

1. The teacher believes in the need for cultural awareness.
2. The teacher appreciates the importance of cooperative skills.
3. The teacher believes high self-esteem and self-awareness are important to learning.
4. The teacher values the need for lifelong learning.
5. The teacher appreciates the need for effective social skills.
6. The teacher introduces learners to resources for lifelong learning experiences.
7. The teacher assists learners in improving social skills.