Great Teachers and Leaders


ACSA supports focusing upon teacher and leader effectiveness in improving student outcomes by engaging students at high levels and holding both students and staff to high expectations for academic achievement. Developing great leaders is recognized as a fundamental strategy for improving schools and closing achievement gaps. Ensuring an effective and caring teacher is in every classroom is critical to improving student learning and must be the highest priority of our state and the nation.


As Congress considers the Obama Blueprint for ESEA Reform it is important to stress that it must be states and school districts, not the federal government that defines “effective teachers and leaders.” These definitions should be developed in collaboration with teachers, principals and other stakeholders.


California has already done this important work through our California Standards for the Teaching Profession (CSTPs) and our California Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (CPSELs). Please note California’s standards for both teachers and administrators are comprehensive, highlighting excellence and breadth for what constitutes effective teachers and leaders. We commend these standards to Congress as principles that should guide California but may also assist other states as they define effective teachers and leaders.


Great Teachers California Standards for the Teaching Profession


Standard 1: Engaging and Supporting all Students in Learning 1.1. Using knowledge of students to engage them in learning. 1.2. Connecting learning to students’ prior knowledge, backgrounds, life experiences and interests.


1.3. Connecting subject matter to meaningful, real-life contexts. 1.4. Using a variety of instructional strategies, resources and technologies to meet students’ diverse learning needs.


1.5. Promoting critical thinking through inquiry, problem solving and reflection. 1.6. Monitoring student learning and adjusting instruction while teaching.


Standard 2: Creating and Maintaining Effective Environments for Student Learning 2.1. Promoting social development and responsibility within a caring community where each student is treated fairly and respectfully.


2.2. Creating physical or virtual learning environments that promote student learning, reflect diversity, and encourage constructive and productive interactions among students.


2.3. Establishing and maintaining learning environments that are physically, intellectually, and emotionally safe.


2.4. Creating a rigorous learning environment with high expectations and appropriate support for all students.


2.5. Developing, communicating, and maintaining high standards for individual and group behavior.


2.6. Employing classroom routines, procedures, norms, and supports for positive behavior to ensure a climate in which all students can learn. 2.7. Using instructional time to optimize learning.


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