New York State Teacher Center Standards

 
Professional Development
bullet  is driven by clear coherent individual and organizational goals.
bullet focuses on individual and organizational growth.
bullet is designed and facilitated by those who participate.
bullet respects and nurtures the leadership and intellectual
bullet capacities of educators.
bullet facilitates continuous inquiry and reflection
bullet embedded in the daily life of schools.
bullet is supported by research and institutional resources such as time, staffing, and funding.
bullet addresses current issues in curriculum, instruction, and assessment.
bullet provides opportunities for the application of technology to instruction.
bullet supports and encourages greater teacher effectiveness that can lead to improved student learning.
Governance
New York State Teacher Centers are governed by Policy Boards composed of the multiple constituencies set forth in Education Law 316.
Policy Board members and staff
bullet are elected and/or appointed by their respective constituencies.
bullet apply high standards for professional development in carrying out their roles.
bullet recruit, retain, and support personnel necessary to carry out the Center’s mission.
bullet  work collaboratively with school districts and other constituent organizations and agencies.
bullet ensure that the Center fulfills state and local requirements.
Management
New York State Teacher Centers must comply with statute, regulation, and local policy.
Policy Board members and staff
bullet establish and maintain a professional working environment with appropriate resources.
bullet employ a variety of communication strategies to ensure the full participation of constituents.
bullet maintain electronic communication facilities linking individual Centers and the statewide network.
bullet establish and maintain sound fiscal policies and practices.
bullet seek resources in addition to New York State funding.
bullet comply with New York State records management regulations and guidelines.
bullet provide required documentation to the New York State Education Department.
bullet operate in accordance with Education Law 316.
Program
New York State Teacher Center programs promote continuous inquiry and growth.
Policy Board members and staff
bullet apply knowledge of current research in professional development.
bullet use a variety of strategies and techniques for identifying the professional growth needs of constituents.
bullet design and implement a variety of activities and programs responsive to needs assessment and evaluation data.
bullet align local needs with state initiatives, standards and assessments.
bullet enable teachers to participate in collaborative program design.
bullet address teachers’ needs at different stages of their careers by providing opportunities for reflection and inquiry.
bullet collaborate with school districts and other organizations and agencies to enhance the range of program opportunities.
Evaluation
New York State Teacher Centers use program evaluation data collected in a variety of ways.
Policy Board members and staff:
bullet use individual program evaluation to assist in the development of new activities and refine continuing programs.
bullet employ a variety of evaluation strategies to assess the impact of the Center’s activities and programs.
bullet include both quantitative and qualitative data in evaluation design.
bullet examine the impact of programs on teacher effectiveness and student learning.
bullet share evaluation findings broadly to build awareness of Teacher Center work.