State of Iowa Teaching Standard 7

Standard 1 | Standard 2 | Standard 3 | Standard 4 | Standard 5 | Standard 6 | Standard 8 | Home

Standard 7  Engages in professional growth. The teacher:

1. Demonstrates habits and skills of continuous inquiry and learning.
   
   Data Source: American Orff Schulwerk Association National Conference (pdf of AOSA convention schedule) Hard Copy: Standard 7 page 1
   
   Justification: As a member of the American Orff-Schulwerk Association, members receive monthly newsletters and the Echo magazine. This provides continuous inquiry and learning specific to elementary general music. Members also have the opportunity to attend a national conference held by the AOSA organization of which I attended in November 2006.
2. Works collaboratively to improve professional practice and student learning.
   
   Data Source: Iowa City Orff Club (membership/recruitment information) Hard Copy: Standard 7 page 2
   
   Justification: Founded by Beth Brown at Longfellow Elementary, the Iowa City Orff Club gives Iowa City area music teachers a collaborative opportunity to create and explore the Orff Schulwerk approach to music education.
3. Applies research, knowledge, and skills from professional development opportunities to improve practice.
   
   Data Source: I Can Do It! classroom management course offered by ISEA (pdf of Certification of Completion) Hard Copy: Standard 7 page 3
   
   Justification: I Can Do It! was a classroom management class offered by ISEA. The class offered strategies on various aspects of classroom management. One example of applied knowledge from this course is an implementation plan to build improved classroom community through an incentive program in the 5th/6th grades.
4. Establishes and implements professional development plans based upon the teacher’s need aligned to the Iowa teaching standards and district/building achievement goals.
   
   Data Source: Orff Schulwerk Level I Certification (pdf of Certification) Hard Copy: Standard 7 page 4
   
   Justification: There are three levels in which one can be certified in the Orff Schulwerk approach to music education. Certification in Orff level I was the first step in a three step plan to be certified in all three levels of the Orff approach to music education. The courses provide experience and instruction in the musical and pedagogical principles, practices, and materials of the Orff Schulwerk approach to music education. Course activities provide practical models for planning and delivering a child-centered, creative approach to musical understanding and growth.

Standard 1 | Standard 2 | Standard 3 | Standard 4 | Standard 5 | Standard 6 | Standard 8 | Home