Rev. 8/99 -- Reformatted 8/01

Professional Teaching Standards for
Business & Office Technology Education (7-12)

B & O Technology Education teachers have a command of subject matter and plan and implement a strong B & O Technology Education program.

B & O Technology Education teachers must have the skills necessary to apply higher-order skills and to demonstrate sophisticated business skills in the workplace.  Teachers must attain the skills necessary to employ a wide range of sound instructional methods to engage students in the learning process, to integrate vocational skill standards and academic concepts, to coordinate classroom and work-based learning, and to articulate secondary and post-secondary programs.

This is demonstrated by:

• engaging students in the learning process, promoting student-centered approaches such as cooperative and individualized learning.
• demonstrating the ability to evaluate, select, design, and use a wide range of educational technology.
• designing, implementing, manipulating, and assessing learning experiences to promote student gains in skill development.
• teaching and reinforcing important academic concepts by demonstrating their practical applications in the office.
• coordinating instruction with teachers of other academic subjects.
• constructing learning experiences that integrate classroom instruction with learning at the work site.
• creating experiences that motivate students to explore various career paths.

B & O Technology education teachers establish an environment that supports all students in achieving high standards of performance.

B & O Technology teachers should be able to organize and manage their laboratories to ensure that students are provided with an occupationally relevant, stimulating, and safe learning environment.  Teachers of B & O Technology Education typically are responsible for delivering instruction in computer laboratories.  It is essential, therefore, that every B & O Technology Education teacher be competent in the organization and management of such laboratories to reflect business and office standards, to promote student learning, and to provide a safe learning environment.

This is demonstrated by:

• analyzing the physical facility and preparing a plan to maximize instructional effectiveness while, at the same time, safeguarding the health and well-being of everyone in the classroom/laboratory.
• integrating ergonomics and safety instruction throughout the curriculum.
• developing, implementing, and enforcing appropriate safety rules.
• preparing and managing the annual instructional supplies and equipment budget.
• applying the principles of effective management to ensure the safe and efficient storage and distribution of tools, materials, and supplies.
• designing and using systems to organize student personnel and provide for the maintenance of tools and equipment.
• using appropriate record keeping systems to provide verification of the fulfillment of their responsibilities as teachers and as managers of instructional equipment, supplies, and facilities.

B & O Technology Education teachers engage in ongoing assessment of his/her teaching and student learning.

This is demonstrated by:

• identifying and communicating clear expectations for students prior to assignment/assessment.
• using results of assessment, observation of teaching, and interaction with colleagues to reflect on and improve teaching practices.
• using district, state, and national standards to align curricular goals with assessment.
• employing a broad range of assessment strategies, including scoring guides, peer review, self-assessment, journals, skill demonstrations, oral and written examinations to assess and provide feedback about the quality of student learning.

B & O Technology Education teachers work collaboratively with other professional and families to serve the best interests of students and the community.

B & O Technology Education programs will not be effective unless each teacher is successful in securing the interest and involvement of relevant business teams.  B & O Technology Education teachers must develop an awareness of these businesses and the strategies for developing relationships with them.

This is demonstrated by:

• identifying relevant business teams; these include students and parents; teachers of academic subjects and general education administrators; guidance personnel; advisory committees; post-secondary institutions; business, industrial and union personnel; professional organizations; special needs personnel; state employment agencies; and local, state, and federal legislators.
• developing and implementing strategies for involving representatives of each team member.
• communicating effectively with business advisory committee concerning B & O Technology Education programs.

B & O Technology Education teachers are responsible for staying current with best practices in trade and industry and technology areas.

This is demonstrated by:

• working collaboratively with colleagues to promote effective B & O Technology Education programs.
• participating in decisions concerning the allocation of time and other resources to the B & O Technology Education program.
• planning and developing the school B & O Technology Education program in alignment with district, state, and national guidelines.