Berkshire Maestros Teachers’ Standards

Preamble

Teachers make the education of their pupils their first concern, and are accountable for achieving the highest possible standards in work and conduct. Teachers act with honesty and integrity; have strong subject knowledge, keep their knowledge and skills as teachers up-to-date and are self-critical; forge positive professional relationships; and work with parents in the best interests of their pupils.

Part one: Teaching

A teacher must:

1 Set high expectations which inspire, motivate and challenge pupils

establish a safe and stimulating environment for pupils, rooted in mutual respect

set goals that stretch and challenge pupils of all backgrounds, abilities and dispositions

demonstrate consistently the positive attitudes, values and behaviour which are expected of pupils.

2 Promote good progress and outcomes by pupils

be accountable for pupils’ attainment, progress and outcomes

be aware of pupils’ capabilities and their prior knowledge, and plan teaching to build on these

guide pupils to reflect on the progress they have made and their emerging needs

demonstrate knowledge and understanding of how pupils learn and how this impacts on teaching

encourage pupils to take a responsible and conscientious attitude to their own work and study.

3 Demonstrate good music and instrumental knowledge and skill

have a secure musical knowledge, foster and maintain pupils’ interest in music, and address misunderstandings

demonstrate a critical understanding of developments in the music subject and curriculum areas, and promote the value of scholarship

demonstrate an understanding of and take responsibility for promoting high standards of literacy, articulacy and the correct use of standard English

4 Plan and teach well structured lessons

impart knowledge and develop understanding through effective use of lesson time

promote a love of learning and children’s intellectual curiosity

set homework and plan other out-of-lesson activities to consolidate and extend the knowledge and understanding pupils have acquired

reflect systematically on the effectiveness of lessons and approaches to teaching

contribute to the design and provision of an engaging musical curriculum

5 Adapt teaching to respond to the strengths and needs of all pupils

know when and how to differentiate appropriately, using approaches which enable pupils to be taught effectively

have a secure understanding of how a range of factors can inhibit pupils’ ability to learn, and how best to overcome these

demonstrate an awareness of the physical, social and intellectual development of children, and know how to adapt teaching to support pupils’ education at different stages of development

have a clear understanding of the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs; those of high ability; those with English as an additional language; those with disabilities; and be able to use and evaluate distinctive teaching approaches to engage and support them.

6 Make accurate and productive use of assessment

know and understand how to assess musical development, including statutory assessment requirements

make use of formative and summative assessment to secure pupils’ progress

use relevant data to monitor progress, set targets, and plan subsequent lessons

give pupils regular feedback, both orally and through accurate assessment/marking, and encourage pupils to respond to the feedback.

7 Manage behaviour effectively to ensure a good and safe learning environment

have clear rules and routines for behaviour in classrooms/lessons, and take responsibility for promoting good and courteous behaviour both in classrooms and around a school and teaching environment, in accordance with a school’s behaviour policy and Maestros’ expectations

have high expectations of behaviour, and establish a framework for discipline with a range of strategies, using praise, sanctions and rewards consistently and fairly

manage classes/pupils effectively, using approaches which are appropriate to pupils’ needs in order to involve and motivate them

maintain good relationships with pupils, exercise appropriate authority, and act decisively when necessary.

8 Fulfil wider professional responsibilities

make a positive contribution to the wider life and ethos of Berkshire Maestros

develop effective professional relationships with colleagues, knowing how and when to draw on advice and specialist support

deploy support staff effectively in whole class instrumental lessons and/or tuition where support staff are in attendance

take responsibility for improving teaching through appropriate professional development, responding to advice and feedback from colleagues

communicate effectively with parents with regard to pupils’ achievements and well-being.

Part two: Personal and professional conduct

A teacher is expected to demonstrate consistently high standards of personal and professional conduct. The following statements define the behaviour and attitudes which set the required standard for conduct throughout a teacher’s career.

Teachers uphold public trust in the profession and maintain high standards of ethics and behaviour, within and outside schools/Maestros, by:

treating pupils with dignity, building relationships rooted in mutual respect, and at all times observing proper boundaries appropriate to a employee’s professional position

having regard for the need to safeguard pupils’ well-being, in accordance with statutory provisions

showing tolerance of and respect for the rights of others

not undermining fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs

ensuring that personal beliefs are not expressed in ways which exploit pupils’ vulnerability or might lead them to break the law.

Teachers must have proper and professional regard for the ethos, policies and practices of the school in which they teach, and maintain high standards in their own attendance and punctuality.

Teachers must have an understanding of, and always act within, the statutory frameworks which set out their professional duties and responsibilities.

Berkshire Maestros September 2012