To help define "good teaching", we have incorporated talking points from "Enhancing Professional Practice, A Framework for Teaching" by Charlotte Danielson into the Classroom Management and Teacher Leader sections.

The framework for teaching provides a structure for reflection and self-assessment so that we can consider strategies for improvement. The knowledge gained from this framework will help you in all areas of teaching.

More about the framework for teaching:

Benefits to the teaching profession:

  • Provides a Common Language
  • Aids in Development of Shared Understandings
  • Offers Self-assessment and Reflection on Practice
  • Helps develop Structured Professional Conversation

The framework for teaching is broken down into four domains (realms of activity) which you'll explore throughout the site.

It encourages open, honest conversation aimed at encouraging and empowering a new teacher through guidance offered by a mentor.

It is comprehensive and can be adapted to all grade levels, all subjects, what happens in the classroom as well as outside of the classroom. 

It is generic and applies to virtually every classroom teacher without endorsing a particular teaching style. Student engagement and responsibility for learning is a crucial aspect, but most teaching “styles” would readily fit into this framework as a guide for discussion.

It is not a checklist to be used as “look for” in a walk through.  The value is in the conversation that follows an observation, in the process of guided reflection for the beginning teacher.  It does offer specific points around which to hold a conversation or a discussion. 

Take some time to talk together—and select one of the domains to focus your upcoming conversations.  Would you like to focus on planning (Domain 1)?   Classroom management and culture for learning (Domain 2)?   Instruction to engage students (Domain 3) ? or Professional responsibilities (Domain 4)? 

Select one domain and one component around which to think and discuss, rather than all of teaching.

This framework is designed to get you thinking about your profession:  those who are first-year teachers as well as those who are experienced and accomplished professionals.  If you have been teacher for sometime now (even serving as mentors) and didn't have the advantage of a framework for teaching when you began, this will help you to take advantage of improving your own teaching as you use a tool such as this framework to stimulate thoughtful discussions and conversations.

In the Communication section of this website, you will find an Peer Observation Guide / Journal that can be used to help develop meaningful dialogues between a mentor and new teacher. In addition to the questions on the checklist, discuss what other areas might be included that would benefit the new teachers growth and confidence in the classroom.