Teachers are Professionals, Committed to Students and Their Learning

• Teachers act on the belief that all students can learn.
• Teachers exhibit respect for students and recognize their differences.
• Teachers use a variety of instructional strategies to make learning accessible to all students.
• Teachers adapt instruction in response to student needs through analysis and use of data.
• Teachers are responsive to the intellectual and effective needs of their students.

Teachers Know the Subjects They Teach and How to Teach Those Subjects to Students

• Teachers exhibit a strong working knowledge of subject matter by staying abreast of current research and educational practices.
• Teachers facilitate the linking of concepts in their content area to familiar ideas, to prior experiences and to other content areas.
• Teachers guide students to construct knowledge through experiences, discussions and technology.
• Teachers encourage students to work cooperatively and independently in a positive and stimulating learning climate.
• Teachers assist students in developing critical and analytical skills.
• Teachers emphasize real-world applications in their instructional practice.
   

Teachers are Members of Learning Communities

• Teachers work collaboratively with and learn from other professionals.
• Teachers adhere to the learning goals and objectives established by state and local authorities.
• Teachers attend to issues of curricular alignment and integration.
• Teachers contribute to school-wide improvements and participate in decision-making processes.
• Teachers participate in professional development to refine instructional practices.

Teachers are Responsible for Managing and Monitoring Student Learning

• Teachers hold high expectations for every student.
• Teachers act as facilitators, assisting students in setting and reaching individual goals.
• Teachers engage students in active learning.
• Teachers consistently and purposefully use formal and informal assessments to monitor student progress and make instructional decisions.
• Teachers approach management as a process of establishing an effective learning environment.
   

We, in the Spring Branch Independent School District, hold ourselves to the highest standards of professionalism. We continue to study, reflect, and grow in an effort to serve the complex educational needs of each student in our diverse community.