Nova Scotia Teaching Standards
Nova Scotia Teaching Standards: Excellence in Teaching and Learning – Comprehensive Guide • English | French
The Nova Scotia Teaching Standards clearly articulate the beliefs, values, and practices that define quality teaching. They represent a public commitment to providing high-quality learning experiences for all students—and a shared vision for excellence in education across the province.This page provides up-to-date information on the development and implementation of Teaching Standards in Nova Scotia, and highlights the work being done by the NSTU to support and influence this process. |
The Six Teaching Stanards
- Teachers know, respond to, and engage their students.
- Teachers know their subjects and how to teach them.
- Teachers use 'Assessment for and of Learning' to guide teaching and learning.
- Teachers create safe and positive learning environments.
- Teachers participate in professional learning throughout their career.
- Teachers model and promote professionalism in teaching.
About the Standards
The Nova Scotia Teaching Standards are professional guidelines that reflect exemplary teaching practice and support continuous professional growth. They:
- Provide a clear definition of high-quality teaching
- Help teachers identify professional learning needs
- Outline the full scope and complexity of the teaching profession
- Serve as a foundation for teacher education and professional learning programs
Each Teaching Standard is followed by three indicators—detailed descriptions of the attitude, knowledge and the skills associated. The Standards are a clear articulation of what we, the teachers of Nova Scotia believe, and the quality of education we provide.
The Teaching Standards are part of a broader framework to strengthen education in Nova Scotia. They are being used to:
- Inform Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) program renewal
- Guide the development of a provincial Teacher Professional Learning Framework
- Support the creation of a new Teacher Performance Appraisal System
Above all, the Standards are intended to clearly define and support effective classroom practice.
How to Use the Standards
Reflect on Your Practice
Become familiar with the six Standards and their indicators. Use them as a framework to evaluate and strengthen your teaching:
- What do the Standards look like in practice?
- How can they guide your planning, assessment, and instructional strategies?
- How do they influence your classroom environment and resource selection?
- What does culturally responsive teaching look like in your context?
Collaborate with Colleagues
Use the Standards to support professional dialogue:
- Set individual and shared goals
- Reflect on successes and identify gaps
- Explore strategies to enhance student learning experiences
Plan Your Professional Growth
The Standards can help guide your ongoing development:
- What professional learning will help you meet or exceed the Standards?
- How can you continue to grow as an educator?