New Jersey Professional Standards for Teachers

Professional Standard 1: Subject Matter Knowledge

Professional Standard 2: Human Growth and Development

Professional Standard 3: Diverse Learners

Professional Standard 4: Instructional Planning and Strategies

Professional Standard 5: Assessment

Professional Standard 6: Learning Environment

Professional Standard 7: Special Needs

Professional Standard 8: Communication

Professional Standard 9: Collaboration and Partnerships

Professional Standard 10: Professional Development

Professional Standard 1: Subject Matter Knowledge Teachers shall understand the central concepts, tools of inquiry, structures of the discipline, especially as they relate to the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards (CCCS), and design developmentally appropriate learning experiences making the subject matter accessible and meaningful to all students.

Professional Standard 2: Human Growth and Development Teachers shall understand how children and adolescents develop and learn in a variety of school, family and community contexts and provide opportunities that support their intellectual, social, emotional and physical development.

Professional Standard 3: Diverse Learners Teachers shall understand the practice of culturally responsive teaching.

Professional Standard 4: Instructional Planning and Strategies Teachers shall understand instructional planning, design long- and short-term plans based upon knowledge of subject matter, students, community, and curriculum goals, and shall employ a variety of developmentally appropriate strategies in order to promote critical thinking, problem solving and the performance skills of all learners.

Professional Standard 5: Assessment Teachers shall understand and use multiple assessment strategies and interpret results to evaluate and promote student learning and to modify instruction in order to foster the continuous development of students.

Professional Standard 6: Learning Environment Teachers shall understand individual and group motivation and behavior and shall create a supportive, safe and respectful learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning and self-motivation.

Professional Standard 7: Special Needs Teachers shall adapt and modify instruction to accommodate the special learning needs of all students.

Professional Standard 8: Communication Teachers shall use knowledge of effective verbal, nonverbal and written communication techniques and the tools of information literacy to foster the use of inquiry, collaboration and supportive interactions.

Professional Standard 9: Collaboration and Partnerships Teachers shall build relationships with parents, guardians, families and agencies in the larger community to support students' learning and well-being.

Professional Standard 10: Professional Development Teachers shall participate as active, responsible members of the professional community, engaging in a wide range of reflective practices, pursuing opportunities to grow professionally and establishing collegial relationships to enhance the teaching and learning process.