Domain 1 pertains to the process of planning and preparation. This domain stresses the importance of understanding the content and students you teach. It sets a baseline for where teachers should begin. By understanding your students you can construct content in the most effective way. Domain 1 has six sub-domains that further explain the component. These sub-domains include:
- Content Knowledge and Pedagogy
- Knowledge of Students
- Instructional Outcomes
- Knowledge of Resources
- Coherent Instruction
- Student Assessment
- Gain knowledge of students by conducting surveys. This allows you to understand what they like and what is important to them.
- Attend professional development programs to expand your knowledge of resources.
- Use a collaborative platform for lesson planning to share planning with colleagues and administrators.
- Try to prepare for "what ifs" for the lesson, but always be ready to be caught off guard. You will have to think on your feet.
- Understand that every student and every class is different. Take this into consideration when planning your lessons.
- Let your students have choice in assessment. We all know high-stakes multiple choice exams can be stressful. Try to make assessment more engaging.
- Remember your students will not be in school forever. It is important that we teach them more than just content. Incorporate life-skills into your lessons.
Danielson, C. (2011). The Danielson Group. The Framework for Teacher Evaluation Instrument. Retrieved from:
http://static.pdesas.org/content/documents/danielson_rubric_32.pdf