Katherine Hewett

Domain IV: Contextualized Decision Making

The ability to make beneficial decisions within a specific context dramatically influences

the effectiveness of the teacher as a whole. The structure of the classroom environment, how she

communicates, and how she responds to challenges in the classroom are all reflections of the

teacher personally. She uses her decision-making skills to benefit her students and structures her

teaching to convey her care and respect for each individual. Rather than taking advantage of her

authority, she uses her position to foster a safe space for her students. The expert teacher

establishes a positive environment, creates learning experiences that maximize student

engagement, leads her students into behavioral success through her example, and continually

reflects on her teaching practices (4.0).

A significant strength of the exemplary teacher is her ability to make positive decisions

for her students’ learning. Learning is personalized for each individual, and the teacher draws on

the background of her students to meet their physical, social, and emotional needs. Overall,

student learning and engagement are supported by how space and materials are organized and

used (4.1). The way the classroom environment is significantly structured impacts the

effectiveness with which students learn. It is imperative that each student feels safe in the

classroom. The overall design and structure communicate to students that they are valued and

respected, regardless of their background; the teacher subtly conveys the message that her

students are welcomed and accepted as they are (4.2, I-3, IDS 5). There is no room for hierarchy,

but instead, there is a partnership between the teacher and her students, where learning is

collaborative. One characteristic of an effective teacher is her ability to plan well. She is very
organized and thinks through how her students will receive her teaching instruction. Her unit and

lesson plans are thoroughly constructed, and they demonstrate her practical communication skills

(4.3).

Another aspect of the teacher’s expertise in decision making is demonstrated in her

response to student behaviors. She uses her authority to guide each individual toward positive

behaviors. Through setting an example and providing pre-correction, her students are able to

experience behavioral success in the classroom (4.4). Additionally, the teacher adapts her

communication techniques with her students in such ways that all students are able to

understand. The teacher is an expert problem solver. She can observe the behavior and diagnose

probable causes through the use of theory, collected data, and prior experience. With as much

information as possible, the teacher takes into account all factors that could be influencing a

student’s behavior and implements interventions targeted explicitly to that behavior (4.5). She

does this in a manner that shows that she cares about her students; there is no shame or

humiliation, but the intervention process demonstrates the teacher’s desire for her students to

experience as much success as possible. By taking into account each student’s particular diverse

background, confusion about expectations is minimized (4.6).

The expert teacher uses effective decision-making techniques in order to meet her

students’ needs best. The structure of the classroom environment promotes positive learning

experiences and maximizes student engagement. Though she has authority, the teacher does not

use this to self-serving ends but instead uses her position to success for each student. She uses all

she has learned so far to create the best learning experiences but is always willing to learn more.

Her practices are based on theory and prior knowledge, and each intervention she implements is
targeted toward each individual’s specific behavioral patterns. Above all, she makes it a priority

for her students to feel safe and cared for. The teacher puts her biases aside to welcome each

student as they are. Overall, the expert teacher’s ability to make positive decisions for her

students reflect well on her.