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 * Vision of Teacher Excellence at JCDS**
 * (Draft as of DEC, 2009)**
 * Standard I: Growth as an educator in a Jewish day school. A JCDS teacher supports the mission and culture of JCDS and is committed to growth as a professional educator in a Jewish day school.**

1. Embraces the school mission including the understanding of the school’s commitment to pluralism, creating opportunities for each child to grow academically, socially, spiritually and emotionally throughout the day; 2. Grows as an educator in a Jewish day school through workshops, independent study and/or school based professional development; 3. Reflects on his or her practice; 4. Represents the school to the community;


 * Standard II: Meedot V’Derekh Eretz** ( מדות ודרך ארץ **). A JCDS teacher models and promotes Derekh Eretz at all times in actions and in instruction****.**

1. Demonstrates derekh eretz towards colleagues, parents and students; 2. Promotes social development and group responsibility in the classroom and school community rooted in Jewish social and moral values to build a strong Jewish identity; 3. Creates classroom expectations and practices that promote Meedot v’Derekh Eretz; 4. Teaches the whole child intellectually, emotionally, socially and spiritually.


 * Standard III**: **Communication: A JCDS teacher communicates with colleagues, parents and students in an on-going and respectful manner.**

1. Communicates with parents to create and maintain partnerships and share student successes and challenges in a thoughtful and proactive process; 2. Communicates with students to provide a safe, nurturing and engaging environment and respects the ideas and concerns of each student; 3. Communicates with colleagues to understand and respect the pedagogy and beliefs of colleagues in order to create co-teaching models that are optimal for the success of each student.


 * Standard IV: Plans, designs, and differentiates instruction for all students** (based on Research for Better Teaching ™ model areas of performance**)****: A JCDS teacher possesses deep knowledge of curriculum design and is committed to using that knowledge to develop appropriate learning opportunities and resources for students that match children’s learning styles and inspires students to become life long learners.**

1. Plans curriculum with clear goals, learning experiences and assessment to ensure the growth of each student; 2. Motivates students through personal relationship building, identifying appropriate expectations, and creating a class climate to ensure the engagement and success of each student; 3. Implements Instructional strategies through a clear understanding of learning principles, models of teaching and explicit instruction to students and clarity in regard to goals and learning outcomes; 4. Manages the classroom with clearly defined and taught routines, expectations and “logical consequences”. In addition, the teacher is mindful of the pace of the day and considers the learning environment that is needed to create the momentum that is developmentally appropriate for students;