Criteria for Excellent Teaching at Parker

Criteria for Excellent Teaching at Parker
Developed in January, 2013 by the Parker Faculty

School Culture and Teaching Practice
Parker teachers create an intentional classroom and school culture of caring.
In using a repertory of best teaching practices Parker teachers are: Centered on the child, observers, learner-centered, co-creators with the student, current in progressive education trends and best practices, listeners, looking for and capitalizing on students’ strengths, interactive with students, creating a safe atmosphere where students can make mistakes, fair and equitable, accommodating for individual needs.
In their teaching practice, Parker teachers use these approaches: Themed learning, “slow learning”, an “it takes time” philosophy, intentionality, mindful learning, positivity, real-life experiences for learning, authentic situations, questions, differentiation, integration of technology, integration of curriculum areas, celebrations of students’ work, public display and appreciation of students’ achievements and accomplishments.

Student Achievement
To help students develop to their highest personal potential, Parker teachers: Support, challenge and encourage students in equal measure, inspire students, motivate, model, know when to step out of the way and surrender control, facilitate, do not judge, hold students to their personal best because they know the students, encourage risk-taking, communicate with each individual, nurture the relationship, team up with parents for the student’s benefit. Provide the learner with clear tasks and goals, and inform them of progress made. Assess student learning through a variety of means.

Personal Traits of Parker Teachers

Parker teachers are: Passionate, compassionate, listeners, patient, flexible, responsive, engaged and engaging, innovative, creative, knowledgeable, collaborative, life-long learners, adaptable in the moment to meet students’ needs, present and aware, reflective, cooperative, intuitive, accepting, positive, energetic, happy, smiling. They demonstrate grace under pressure, do not panic, set goals.

Communication
In communication with colleagues, parents, and the greater community Parker teachers are: Consistent, regular, responsive, pro-active, good listeners, positive, and sensitive to diverse and individual needs. They build relationships, share expertise, and keep emotional connections and expectations on a professional level. They treat parents as team members and value parents as experts on their children.

Community
Parker teachers nurture relationships, always put the child first, are happy, show grace, and are intentional. In interactions with colleagues, they co-create, nurture relationships, share expertise, demonstrate grace, are happy, smile, and support each other and the school.

Professional Development
To develop themselves as professionals, Parker teachers participate in workshops and trainings regularly for personal growth and group growth, keep current with subject knowledge especially as it relates to the age of the children they teach, hold themselves to a high standard, strive to improve practice, love learning, model a growth mindset, and set goals.