§ 49.81. General.

 (a)  The Department will issue instructional certificates to persons whose primary responsibility is teaching. Candidates for instructional certificates shall be able to help students achieve under Chapter 4 (relating to academic standards and assessment).

 (b)  Instructional certificates will be issued to candidates who meet the following standards:

   (1)  The teacher understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline the teacher teaches and can create learning experiences that make these aspects of subject matter meaningful for all students.

   (2)  The teacher understands how all children learn and develop, and can provide learning opportunities that support their intellectual, social, career and personal development.

   (3)  The teacher understands how students differ in their ability and approaches to learning and creates opportunities that foster achievement of diverse learners in the inclusive classroom.

   (4)  The teacher understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies, including interdisciplinary learning experiences, to encourage students’ development of critical thinking, problem solving and performance skills.

   (5)  The teacher uses an understanding of individual and group motivation and behavior to create a learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning and self-motivation.

   (6)  The teacher uses knowledge of effective verbal, nonverbal and media communication techniques supported by appropriate technology to foster active inquiry, collaboration and supportive interaction in the classroom.

   (7)  The teacher plans instruction based upon knowledge of subject matter, students, the community and curriculum goals.

   (8)  The teacher understands and uses formal and informal assessment strategies to evaluate and ensure the continuous intellectual, social and physical development of the learner.

   (9)  The teacher thinks systematically about practice, learns from experience, seeks the advice of others, draws upon educational research and scholarship and actively seeks out opportunities to grow professionally.

   (10)  The teacher contributes to school effectiveness by collaborating with other professionals and parents, by using community resources, and by working as an advocate to improve opportunities for student learning.

   The provisions of this §  49.81 amended September 24, 1999, effective September 25, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 4954. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (227863).