MSU Teacher Preparation Program Standards Overview

The program standards represent understandings, skills, commitments, dispositions necessary to be an effective and responsible beginning teacher.  Developed by faculty from Michigan State University and by teachers from Alliance Schools associated with the Teacher Certification Program, these standards are also compatible with state and national initiatives aimed at assessing beginning teaching.

Students will work toward these standards across the program as they learn to think, know and act like beginning teachers.  Because the Program Standards represent the desired outcomes of the program, however, they particularly pertain to the intern year.  The Program Standards offer the entire intern-year staff--university instructors, seminar leaders, MSU field instructors, mentor teachers--as well as the interns, a framework for assessing progress and learning.  During the fall semester, we seek evidence that interns are making satisfactory progress in meeting each of the Program Standards in order to pass TE 501 and to be recommended to continue with TE 502.  Recommendation for continuing the internship experience will be based on the professional judgment of the MSU field instructor, the mentor teacher and relevant others who are familiar with the intern's teaching practice.  In order to be recommended for teacher certification by the end of the internship year, an intern will need to show that she or he is capable of responsible, autonomous teaching based on the Program Standards.  During the spring semester, we seek evidence that the interns have met the Program Standards and are ready to assume the responsibilities of beginning teaching.

Program Standards
 
Standard 1:  Knowing subject matters and how to teach them
	• The intern understands the subject matter(s) as needed to teach it (them).
	• The intern thoughtfully links subject matter and students, creating a responsive curriculum.
	• The intern plans and implements a curriculum of understanding.
	• The intern is thoughtful about assessment and its relationship to planning and teaching.

Standard 2:  Working with students
	• The intern respects and cares for all students in his/her charge.
	• The intern promotes active learning and thoughtfulness.
	• The intern builds on students' interests, strengths, and cultural backgrounds.
	• The intern treats all students as capable of learning.

Standard 3:  Creating and managing a classroom learning community
	• The intern creates a safe, caring, productive environment in the classroom.
	• The intern makes the classroom an inclusive community.
	• The intern helps students develop personal and social responsibility.

Standard 4:  Working and learning in a school and profession
	• The intern works well as a teacher in a school community.
	• The intern works productively with his/her MSU field instructor, mentor teacher, 	 				and seminar instructor in ways that support his/her learning to teach.
	• The intern reflects on his or her experience and seeks opportunities for continued
	  	learning and improvement.
	• The intern is open to alternatives and constructive feedback.