LEAs shall use the North Carolina Professional Teaching Standards set forth in this Rule to determine teacher proficiency as a part of the North Carolina Educator Evaluation System (NCEES).

1. (1) A teacher shall demonstrate leadership and shall:

   1. (a) lead in his or her classroom;
   2. (b) demonstrate leadership in the school;
   3. (c) lead the teaching profession;
   4. (d) advocate for schools and students; and
   5. (e) demonstrate high ethical standards.

2. (2) A teacher shall establish a respectful environment for a diverse population of students and shall:

   1. (a) provide an environment in which each child has a positive, nurturing relationship with caring adults.
   2. (b) embrace diversity in the school community and in the world;
   3. (c) treat students as individuals;
   4. (d) adapt their teaching for the benefit of students with special needs; and
   5. (e) work collaboratively with the families and adults in the lives of his or her students.

3. (3) A teacher shall understand the content they teach and shall:

   1. (a) align his or her instruction with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study;
   2. (b) know the content appropriate to their teaching specialty;
   3. (c) recognize the interconnectedness of content areas and disciplines; and
   4. (d) make instruction relevant to students.

4. (4) A teacher shall facilitate learning for his or her students and shall:

   1. (a) know the ways in which learning takes place, and know the appropriate levels of intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development of his or her students;
   2. (b) plan instruction appropriate for his or her students;
   3. (c) use a variety of instructional methods;
   4. (d) integrate and utilize technology in his or her instruction;
   5. (e) help students develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills;
   6. (f) help students work in teams and develop leadership qualities;
   7. (g) communicate effectively; and
   8. (h) use a variety of methods to assess what each student has learned.

5. (5) A teacher shall reflect on his or her practice and shall engage in the following:

   1. (a) analyze student learning;
   2. (b) link professional growth to his or her professional goals;
   3. (c) function effectively in the teaching environment; and
   4. (d) contribute to the academic success of students.

History Note: Authority G.S. 115C-12(22); 115C-268.1; 115C-268.5; 115C-299.5; 115C-333; 115C-333.1; 115C-335;
Eff. October 1, 2020.