Self-Assessment of NBPTS

Directions: For each element, rate yourself in one of the following three categories. Then provide examples of your experiences in the
area of the NBPTS. Finally, identify areas within each domain where you are interested in growing. On the last page, summarize your
strengths and areas of possible growth. Boxes will expand as needed.
• Exploring/Emerging (E/E) - a level of practice in which the teacher relies on ongoing assistance from more experienced colleagues for
support, guidance, and survival. The teacher is moving toward becoming more self-directed and independent in her/his practice.
• Applying (A) - a level of practice in which the teacher is able to provide independent instruction and easily applies what s/he has
learned about educational practice.
• Integrating/Innovating (I/I) - a level of development in which the teacher is fully skilled and confident. The Integrating/Innovating
teacher is contributing to the broader educational community through staff development, research, or publication in professional
journals.

Proposition 1: Teachers are committed to students and their learning. E/E A I/I
1. Teachers Recognize Individual Differences in Their Students and Adjust Their Practice Accordingly
2. Teachers Understand How Students Develop and Learn
3. Teachers Treat Students Equitably
4. Teachers Know Their Mission Transcends the Cognitive Development of Their Students
Three Examples of Proposition 1 Experiences Areas of Interest in Growth
• I am using summative assessments all day long. If I
see that a student is struggling with a math
concept for example, I will pull then and a couple
I have one student who always finishes before everyone else.
of other students into a small group to give
I know he understands concepts before I even teach them. I
individualized attention. would like to provide additional coursework for him so that
• I use equity sticks to ensure fairness in the he feels challenged in our class. I just thought of a idea of
classroom. giving him brain teaser or riddles worksheets. He would
• I have morning meetings in which we discuss things probably really enjoy them, be challenged, and keep him
beyond academics. We talk about navigating from disrupting others. Another idea is to have him "tutor"
others who might be struggling.
friendships, conflict resolution, and what it means
to be a good, helpful citizen in their classroom, at
school, at home, and out in the world.

Proposition 2: Teachers know the subjects they teach and how to teach those subjects to E/E A I/I
students.
5. Teachers Appreciate How Knowledge in Their Subjects is Created, Organized, and Linked to Other
Disciplines
6. Teachers Command Specialized Knowledge of How to Convey a Subject to Students
7. Teachers Generate Multiple Paths to Knowledge
Three Examples of Proposition 2 Experiences Areas of Interest in Growth
• I provide many ways for students to understand
new concepts in the classroom. Short movies,
pair/share, partner work, manipulatives, and small Textbooks are great to follow and thankfully we have some
groups are just several ways that I help convey great new curriculum that I am able to work with. I still like
subjects more clearly to students. to add extra fun activities for engagement that is beyond the
• I try to make connections with new concepts to textbook. For example, I have short movies, activities,
things we've learned before. I bring up things that handouts, and books that I've bought over the years as
supplements to a lesson. The students always enjoy these
students are interested in within lessons to help
additional activities and it helps them to make connections. I
increase engagement. I love seeing the aha would like to continue collecting all those little extras with
moment when students make connections to other my ultimate goal being to get it all organized both on my
things that they've learned about. computer and in binders so that it is easy to refer to and also
• I've taught 3 grade for almost four years now and easy to share with colleagues.
rd

I've learned a lot about each of the things that 3rd

graders are required to know. Each year I'm able to
Self-Assessment of NBPTS (adapted from NBPTS (http://accomplishedteacher.org/preface/). 1
 add more fun and engaging ideas to the lesson. By
knowing what has worked and not worked in the
past, I am able to create even more engaging and
memorable lessons.

Proposition 3: Teachers are responsible for managing and monitoring student learning. E/E A I/I
1. Teachers Call on Multiple Methods to Meet Their Instructional Goals
2. Teachers Support Student Learning in Varied Settings and Groups
3. Teachers Value Student Engagement
4. Teachers Regularly Assess Student Progress
5. Teachers Engage Students in the Learning Process
Three Examples of Proposition 3 Experiences Areas of Interest in Growth
• I have rotations in my class where students are
able to do their work in small groups. I usually
work with one group at a time and so am able to
ensure that I work with each and every student.
This is where I'm able to use the less formal
summative assesments for tracking student We had an in-service day last year and one of the things they
progress. talked a little bit about was helping students to understand
• I regularly assess student progress using a program why they are learning something by putting the learning goal
up on the board and talking about it before the lesson
called STAR. I give formative assessments for both
begins. I've started experimenting with that a bit and talking
Math and Language Arts. about why we learn things and how we can apply it in
• I like to provide a variety of ways for students to practical ways to our own lives.
understand new concepts. For a new math concept
I might show a video explaining the concept, then
do a whole group lesson, and perhaps end with
manipulatives to really help students make
connections.

Proposition 4: Teachers think systematically about their practices and learn from experience. E/E A I/I
1. Teachers Make Difficult Choices That Test Their Professional Judgment
2. Teachers Use Feedback and Research to Improve Their Practice and Positively Impact Student Learning
Three Examples of Proposition 4 Experiences Areas of Interest in Growth
• A teacher at our school had to call CPS for the first
time this year because a student told her that a
student hit her mom and kicked her brother. She
came to me for support. Her and I both took the I would love for all the teachers at our school to be able to
mandatory reporter training, but nothing really take an hour every couple of weeks to visit another teacher's
prepares any teacher for dealing with it until you classroom. When I was obtaining my credential, I found the
have it in your classroom. most valuable things I learned were from observing other
teachers in their classrooms. Much of what I observed, I do in
• At the end of previous school years, I've used my
my own classroom today. I think it would be beneficial for
students to help me figure out what worked and teachers to be provided time to observe other teachers at
didn't work… what they liked and didn't like. This their school and beyond. I think it would help to keep
year I got rid of a government project that my class teachers inspired in the teaching field.
thought was so boring last year, and replaced it
with something that I think will be much more
intersting and engaging.

Self-Assessment of NBPTS (adapted from NBPTS (http://accomplishedteacher.org/preface/). 2

 • I use student interest and engagement levels as my
daily feedback for improving lessons, both in the
moment and in the future.

Proposition 5: Teachers are Members of Professional Communities E/E A I/I

1. Teachers Collaborate with Other Professionals to Improve School Effectiveness
2. Teachers Work Collaboratively with Families
3. Teachers Work Collaboratively with the Community
Three Examples of Proposition 5 Experiences Areas of Interest in Growth
• I work with family by sending home weekly
newsletters. I send reminders about tests and
upcoming events. I ensure that parents know
exactly what is happening in the classroom and
how they can help out in their child's learning
progress.
• I've worked with some small groups in our Becoming a part of the parent teacher group TEAM at our
school would ensure that I was able to help teachers and
community to help plan interesting in-house field
parents to work collaboratively for student benefit.
trips for our classroom.
• We've taken our 3rd graders on local field trips to
learn about Native American culture. There are
some great groups that can offer students an
opportunity to learn about cool stuff near their
own community.

Summary of Strengths and Areas of Possible Growth

I would like to get involved in our school parent teacher organization which our school calls TEAM. As a new teacher, who
has also been clearing her credential for the last two years, it has been hard to find the time or energy to participate in any
after school activities. Now that I am almost done, and feeling more comfortable in my role as 3 rd grade teacher, I would
love to become more involved in extracurricular activities at school. I think it will benefit my students to see their teacher
at more events throughout the year because I really haven't attended many if it isn't required. My hope is that as I become
more comfortable and familiar with my role as teacher, I will be able to spend more time doing the more fun
extracurricular stuff that is always happening around our school.

Self-Assessment of NBPTS (adapted from NBPTS (http://accomplishedteacher.org/preface/). 3