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At Alverno College, education is more than just learning facts. It's about gaining the ability to apply knowledge meaningfully in real-life situations.

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As an educator in Wisconsin, I understand that the Wisconsin Educator Standards define what it means to be a highly effective teacher in today’s classrooms. These ten standards serve not only as the foundation for teacher licensure, but also as a guide for ongoing professional growth throughout my career.

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What did I do?

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At the beginning of the semester, I set out to enhance student engagement and motivation while ensuring that my instructions were clear and concise to prevent confusion or overwhelm

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Throughout the semester, I followed through on many of these strategies. I used think-pair-share and small group discussions to create more student-centered moments, and I consistently tried to improve how I framed and delivered instructions. Students responded well to these changes, and I noticed a moderate improvement in motivation and participation, especially among students who were previously quiet or hesitant. Engagement was still uneven as some students remained disconnected, particularly when tasks became reading-heavy or abstract.

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Right now...

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I know there’s more work to do. I’d like to refine my use of visual supports, expand on collaborative structures that keep students more accountable to each other, and include more student voice when planning future lessons. I also want to explore better ways to build motivation through culturally relevant content and student choice. The goal remains important and reachable, but it will take continued reflection and adjustment to fully accomplish it.

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Teacher Standards

1. Pupil Development.

2. Learning Differences

3. Learning Environments

4. Content Knowledge

5. Application of Content

6. Assessment

7. Planning for Instruction

8. Instructional Strategies

9. Professional Learning and Ethical Practice

10. Leadership and Collaboration

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Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

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The Wisconsin Educator Standards outline characteristics of good educators by identifying the components and defining qualities of best professional practice. Wisconsin colleges and universities incorporate the Wisconsin Educator Standards into educator preparation programs. Wisconsin educators use these standards to guide career-long professional development. Educators are defined as professionals working in Wisconsin schools as teachers, pupil services professionals, and administrators.

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Each standard reflects a key area of our practice. For example, the first standard, Pupil Development, reminds me that every student learns and grows differently, and that I must design developmentally appropriate lessons to meet those diverse needs.

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The standards on Assessment, Instructional Strategies, and Planning for Instruction help guide how I evaluate learning and make informed decisions. I’ve learned that effective planning must be flexible, data-driven, and grounded in a deep understanding of both content and student context.

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What makes Alverno’s model unique is its focus on eight core abilities that are reinforced throughout every course:

1. Communication

2. Analysis

3. Problem solving

4. Valuing in decision making

5. Social interaction

6. Global perspective

7. Effective citizenship

8. Aesthetic engagement.

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In 1968, the changes began that triggered the metamorphosis of Alverno’s tested teaching strategies into the ability-based curriculum of today. Economic and social trends of the late 1960s already indicated that an unprecedented number of women looked forward to livelihoods outside of the traditional women’s fields of teaching, nursing, and music. And Alverno established a lay governing board composed of business and community leaders. Basic questions needed to be answered: What distinguishes the college? What does it do best? How can it do it better?

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Also, in my Social Studies class, I support the development of a global perspective by helping students explore historical and current events through multiple cultural and political lenses. Whether we’re discussing immigration, revolutions, or global conflicts, I encourage students to consider how different communities are affected and how perspectives vary around the world. This not only deepens their understanding of the content but also builds empathy and critical thinking as they connect local issues to global contexts.