TEXES Competency PPR (EC-12)

Competency 001:
The teacher understands human development processes and applies this knowledge to plan
instruction and ongoing assessment that motivate students and are responsive to their
developmental characteristics and needs.

A teacher has to understand the human development process in order to affectively teach his/her
class. This knowledge will help plan lessons that fit the child’s mind and age. If a teacher was
unaware of the human development process, they would not know the capabilities of their students
and might not be challenging them enough, or too much.
Competency 002:
The teacher understands student diversity and knows how to plan learning experiences and design
assessments that are responsive to differences among students and that promote all students’
learning.

A teacher must be aware of each student’s preferred learning style. The teacher needs to provide a
variety of learning styles in order to involve all students. Some students need more help than others,
especially if the lesson is focused on the learning style they are not strong in. Teachers need to be
aware of the diversity and also meet the diversity in the classroom.
Competency 003:
The teacher understands procedures for designing effective and coherent instruction and assessment
based on appropriate learning goals and objectives.

The teacher needs to know how to relate the objectives with an assessment or lesson. The kids need
to meet all the objectives given to that grade level. It is important for the teacher to make sure
he/she is providing the correct material to meet each goal and objective.
Competency 004:
The teacher understands learning processes and factors that impact student learning and
demonstrates this knowledge by planning effective, engaging instruction and appropriate
assessments.

The teacher must understand factors that impact a student’s learning ability and try to go the
opposite way. The teacher needs to make sure to plan lessons that provide things that are going to
keep the kids engaged and interested. The content must also be appropriate in order to meet goals
and assessment requirements.
Competency 005:
The teacher knows how to establish a classroom climate that fosters learning, equity and excellence
and uses this knowledge to create a physical and emotional environment that is safe and productive.

It is the teacher’s job to make the students feel safe. The classroom should be a place of learning,
fun, and equality among everyone. All of these characteristics are vital to a successful classroom.
Competency 006:
The teacher understands strategies for creating an organized and productive learning environment
and for managing student behavior.
The teacher has to come up with a system that works for them in order to stay organized and on top
of things. It may take a while to find this system. Managing behavior also needs to be established.
There needs to be an immediate response to discipline.

Competency 007:
The teacher understands and applies principles and strategies for communicating effectively in varied
teaching and learning contexts.

The teacher must know how to communicate well with others. This is important when talking to
students, parents, or other faculty. There should be principles set in place for certain situations that
may arise so the teacher knows how to react.
Competency 008:
The teacher provides appropriate instruction that actively engages students in the learning process.

The teacher needs to start each lesson off with something that catches the student’s attention. The
teacher should always be enthusiastic and make the kids want to engage in the learning process. A
classroom runs so much better when the kids want to learn.
Competency 009:
The teacher incorporates the effective use of technology to plan, organize, deliver and evaluate
instruction for all students.

The teacher should know how to use technology in the classroom. He/she should take advantage of
what these tools have to offer. Everything is easier on a computer or ipad. Lesson plans can be kept,
and evaluation of students can be logged.
Competency 010:
The teacher monitors student performance and achievement; provides students with timely, high-
quality feedback; and responds flexibly to promote learning for all students.

Teachers must monitor the student’s progress and achievements. It is important to let the child and
parents know how the child is doing in class and what improvements can be made. The teacher must
also be flexible in this category to make sure and promote learning for all students.
Competency 011:
The teacher understands the importance of family involvement in children’s education and knows
how to interact and communicate effectively with families.

Teachers have to know how to communicate with the student’s family. This can be hard sometimes,
but it is necessary. It is very important for the family to know what is going on at school.
Competency 012:
The teacher enhances professional knowledge and skills by effectively interacting with other
members of the educational community and participating in various types of professional activities.

The teacher must stay learning and gaining knowledge. This can happen with other employees or
other members of the educational community. Everyone should be like one big family and help each
other grow. Teachers should participate in various professional activities throughout the year.
Competency 013:
The teacher understands and adheres to legal and ethical requirements for educators and is
knowledgeable of the structure of education in Texas.
The teacher must know all legal and ethical requirements. It is very important to always keep ethics
in mind when teaching kids. It is easy to slip and do something that you are not supposed to.
Teachers have to keep Texas education laws in mind at all times.