I have enjoyed this experience and would like to thank all of the wonderful people I have worked with while in office. In a previous column, I discussed several models for effective professional development and encouraged readers to become involved in presenting at the School Science and Mathematics conference by presenting sessions that will provide professional development for teachers. In this column, I will focus on effective science and mathematics instruction and encourage readers to nominate exemplary teachers for the School Science and Mathematics annual award to support an exemplary teaching and curriculum project that focuses on science and mathematics connections. Effective teaching has been the focus of many state and national reforms in education during the last decade. A system of advanced, voluntary certification for teachers focuses on five propositions of accomplished teaching.
Teachers are committed to students and their learning.
Accomplished teachers are dedicated to making knowledge accessible to all students. They act on the belief that all students can learn. They treat students equitably, recognizing the individual differences that distinguish one student from another and taking account of these differences in their practice. They adjust their practice based on observation and knowledge of their students' interests, abilities, skills, knowledge, family circumstances and peer relationships. Accomplished teachers understand how students develop and learn.