An occupational qualification standard is a document which describes the nature of the work, the set of skills, knowledge and attitudes, i.e. competence requirements, needed to successfully accomplish this work. Occupational qualification standards are used for compiling curricula and awarding quali...fications. MoreHide
The main role of a teacher is to empower the learner (see Annex 1 Terminology used in the occupational qualification standard) and to be his/her development partner so that meaningful learning could take place and taking into account the goals set in national curricula, a learning path that opens up... the learner´s potential could formulate. The task of a teacher is to systematically develop one´s professional skills and be aware of the educational innovations.
Senior teacher, level 7 supports in addition to conducting learning activities the development of other teachers and the organisation, and develops the subject field methodology within the organisation; Senior teacher, level 7 qualification is obtained by passing the qualification exam at the qualification awarding body or by completing continuing (teacher) training on a Master's level in an institution of higher education.
In addition to the profession of senior teacher, level 7, the professional area of a teacher includes also the following professions:
- the profession of teacher, level 6, obtained upon passing initial training of kindergarten teacher (applied higher education or Bachelor´s study) in a higher institution or by passing the qualification exam at the qualification awarding body;
- Teacher, level 7, which is obtained by passing the initial training (Master´s program) in a higher institution or by passing the qualification exam at the qualification awarding body;
- Master teacher, level 8 who in addition to conducting learning activities instructs colleagues and manages development activities in the organisation as well as outside of it; Master teacher,
level 8 is obtained by passing the qualification exam at the qualification awarding body. MoreHide
A.2 Work units
A.2.1 Supporting the learner
1. Knowledge of the development of a learner and of learning.
2. Getting to know the learner.
3. Supporting the individual study needs of the learner.
4. Shaping a collaborative learner
A.2.2 Planning of learning and teaching activities
1. Planning the work of a ...teacher.
2. Selection, adaptation or composing of learning materials.
3. Shaping the learning environment.
A.2.3 Teaching
1. Supporting the development of a learner
2. Leading class / group.
3. Supporting learning.
4. Supporting study motivation.
5. Supporting the purposeful use of digital technologies.
6. Feedback and evaluation supporting development.
A.2.4 Reflection and professional development
1. Reflecting teacher´s own work and personal development.
2. Studying teaching and learning and spreading pedagogical knowledge.
3. Securing own physical, spiritual and emotional wellbeing.
A.2.5 Collaboration and instruction
1. Inclusion.
2. Counselling a parent in the field of learning.
3. Acting in a learning community.
A.2.6 Development, creative and research activities
1. Developing content knowledge.
2. Shaping education policy and planning development.
B.2.9 Recurrent competencies of Teacher, level 7
1. Self-determination.
2. Knowledge in the subject field.
3. Pedagogical content knowledge.
4. Motivating.
5. Collaboration.
6. Social competence, communication.
7. Value competence, following professional ethics. .
8. Mathematical, science and technological thinking.
9. Entrepreneurship.
10. Language use.
11. Evaluation and development of digital competences. MoreHide
Elective areas of work
A.2.7 Management
1. Managing a team.
2. Managing processes.
3. Managing a network or a learning community.
A.2.8 Instruction and training of teachers
1. Mentoring and training of colleagues.
2. Instruction or coordination of teacher training practice.
A.2.9. Development of methodology and... learning materials
1. Development of methodologies.
2. Creation and development of learning materials.
A.2.10 Supporting a learner with special educational needs
1. Awareness of applying the principles of inclusive education.
2. Adjusting learning.
3. Counselling.
A.2.11 Application of digital pedagogy
1. Instruction and mentoring.
2. Shaping the learning environment.
3. Development activities. MoreHide
A.3 Work environment and specific nature of work
The assumption of the work of a teacher is the understanding of educational legislation. Working conditions (e.g. working and resting time) are regulated by the Employment Contracts Act, working conditions can further be regulated by work-related organisational measures or by other normative
docume...nts valid for the organisation. The work of a teacher is diverse and challenging, requires lifelong learning, good communication skills and resistance to stress, preserving mental and physical health, including voice, is important. MoreHide
A.4 Tools
The main tools of a teacher include learning materials, school and office supplies, digital resources etc according to the field taught.
A.5 Personal qualities required for work: abilities and characteristics
Important qualities in teaching: honesty, empathy, self-regulation, entrepreneurship, collaboration, creativity, positivity, tolerance, responsibility and ability to learn.
A.6 Professional preparation
Teacher´s educational preparation is regulated by the statute of the minister of education (and science).
A.7 Most common occupational titles
Teacher, pedagogue.
A.8 Regulations governing profession
Statute of the Minister of education and science Qualification requirements of principals, vice principals, teachers and support specialists.
B Competency Requirements
B.1 Structure of occupation
Competency Requirements:
Applying for this qualification one needs to prove competences B.2.1 – B.2.6 and B.2.9 (a recurrent competence). In addition, it is possible to verify optional competences B.2.7 and B.2.11.
B.2 Competences
Mandatory competences
Competence
EstQF Level
B.2.1
Supporting the learner
7
View competence
Performance indicators:
1. is aware of the foundations and cultural specialties of the physical, cognitive, emotional and social development of the learner; is aware of the factors influencing learning and its regularities, core competences, group processes and evidence-based opportunities to support the learner, incl the need of using reflection models; keeps her/himself posted about terminology connected with learning and the development of the learner, updated knowledge and research; is aware of the opportunities using digital solutions and risks connected with it while learning;
2. finds out the level of the subject-related, study skills and learning motivation of the group and the learner and takes these into account when setting (subject field, pedagogical and educational) study goals, counsels colleagues in this; collects in collaboration with colleagues information from the learning process and studies opportunities how to support the learner´s holistic development and preparedness to learn; uses development interviews to support the learner´s development;
3. recognises the learners´ need for support and their individual study needs (incl the learner with more abilities); involves and cooperates with support specialists and colleagues in finding out support and help needs (filling out learner´s individual development card as needed, taking into account the dynamics of his/her specifics), planning and applying learning and development activities (finding suitable learning methods and form, adjusting study according to abilities, modifying learning materials, applying helping tools, planning the organisation of individual learning, forming individual curriculum and/or behavioural support plan); counsels colleagues in collaboration with support specialists on supporting the learner´s individual learning needs; in collaboration with parents supports and guides the learner;
4. supports the development of social and collaborative skills; drafts together with the learner(s) agreements based on mutual values; guides learners to take each other into account and support each other, taking into account group processes and dynamics; supports the feeling of unity in a group and in the educational institution; collects and shares good practices; counsels colleagues.
B.2.2
Planning of learning and teaching activities
7
View competence
Performance indicators:
1. sets short- and long-term learning goals based on learner(s), chooses content and plans activities, considering the curriculum; according to the goals chooses suitable methods for teaching, learning and giving feedback; in collaboration with other specialists compiles individual curriculum if needed, behavioural support plan and/or development plan, taking into account the principles of supporting a learner with special educational needs and the holistic development of the learners; instructs colleagues in planning the work of a teacher;
2. chooses from learning materials the suitable one matching the learning goals and the level of learners and group considering science-based approach and best practices; recognises
shortcomings of learning materials and makes recommendations to subject field leaders in the
organisation or region or to subject organisations for adjusting and compiling study materials; adjusts study materials, taking into account the needs of learners, possible constraints, including copyrights, availability, reliability; instructs colleagues in choosing and adapting learning materials (incl digital tools), creates opportunities for sharing best practices, including different stakeholders and/or sharing personal experiences; finds, creates and spreads digital study materials and digital technologies, which enable effectively to achieve learning goals;
3. shapes the physically, spiritually and emotionally secure collaborative study environment supporting wellbeing, health, development and creativity, based on the needs and learning goals of learners and mutually agreed values; instructs colleagues in shaping and developing the study environment of the organisation.
B.2.3
Teaching
7
View competence
Performance indicators:
1. notices and recognises learners´ different interests, abilities, and needs (incl educational special needs, cultural specifics, etc), ensuring ability-appropriate study; takes into account main cognitive processes (perception, attention, memory, thinking, executive functions) on supporting the learner; collects data about the learners´ development and efficiency of the learning process; instructs colleagues in supporting the development of the learners; uses digital technologies for increasing inclusion of learners in learning; personalises learning paths by digital technologies; guides learners to support each other´s learning through digital technologies;
2. creates consciously a caring, bullying-free and collaborative atmosphere (incl digital environment), originating from agreements based on mutual values, learners´ individual needs, learning goals and principles of inclusive education; creates safe and health supporting study environment, acts in an appropriate way in a situation requiring first aid; manages class/group, taking into account the development phases of the group; notices and prevents conflicts, finds effective solutions and when needed includes learners, parents and support specialists; instructs colleagues in managing class/group;
3. teaches following the learner´s specifics, set goals, learning outcomes and cross-subject integration, using different study formats and methods to support the development of learners´ learning and subject skills, following the principles of inclusive education; analyses teaching and modifies activities and environment flexibly, considering learners´ needs (for moving); ensures needed support and analyses the effect of support measures together with other specialists;
4. supports learning motivation, offering choices in learning process, actual ability-appropriate study tasks, creating a success experience for each learner; instructs colleagues in teaching and analysing learning process;
5. guides students to apply digital technologies while searching for information, communicating and in content creation; organises meaningful use of digital technologies in class/group during individual and collaborative study, incl problem solving; in the organisation manages the elaboration of mutual principles for recurrent usage of digital technologies in learning;
6. systematically applies different ways, including digital technologies, for feedback and evaluation which support learning, according to learner specifics and documents regulating evaluation; compiles evaluation models/criteria and evaluates learners using these; supports learners in developing self-evaluation skills; agrees with learners and parents upon the principles and organisation of giving feedback; instructs colleagues in giving supportive feedback and evaluation and compiling models and criteria of evaluation; in the organisation creates in collaboration with colleagues mutual principles for making evaluation more effective with the help of digital technologies.
B.2.4
Reflection and professional development
7
View competence
Performance indicators:
1. reflects one´s own work, incl analysing the effect of teaching, using different methods, including colleagues and participating in study communities, incl virtual ones; regularly collects feedback about learners´ learning activities and results, and according to that plans changes in teaching and education process; compiles one´s own professional development plan and defines study needs, taking into account also the development needs of the educational institution and national educational priorities; supports colleagues in reflecting their own work and identifying personal development needs; uses digital environments for personal professional development;
2. analyses and interprets the results of educational research and applies them in his/her work; conducts action research on class/group and educational institution level, analysing learning process, defining problems, collecting evidence from practice; shares evidence-based knowledge with colleagues and collaboration partners;
3. follows, evaluates and values own physical, mental and emotional health, acts for keeping them in balance; when problems rise and if needed looks for help from colleagues, mentor, management, support specialist, etc.; notices problems his/her colleagues have, helps to acknowledge these and find solutions, when needed with collaboration of support specialists and/or management.
B.2.5
Collaboration and instruction
7
View competence
Performance indicators:
1. creates a trustworthy relationship with the learner and parents; initiates and collaborates with stakeholders (learner, parent, colleague, support specialist, community, etc) to support the learner development: includes into discussions, learning process, initiatives and activities of the educational institution; informs the learners and parents about the curriculum, study organisation, principles and values of teaching and learning, clarifies educational innovations to stakeholders; supports colleagues in including stakeholders;
2. gives feedback about learner progress to learner and parents; includes parents actively into making decisions connected to learner development and applying them, incl learning activities at home according to the information received from the educational institution; instructs parents in creating a learning supportive home environment and in developing study skills of the learner; shares evidence-based learning and teaching related materials to parents (articles, books, internet materials etc); instructs and supports colleagues in counselling activities;
3. observes the teaching activities of colleagues; monitors, analyses and gives feedback to the activities of a colleague, recognises and acknowledges progress; counsels colleagues in setting their development goals and developing teaching skills, based on teacher´s self-analysis; initiates and supports collaboration and exchange of experiences between teachers; creates a learning community and manages its activities with the goal of own and colleagues` professional development and through that also with the goal of supporting learner development.
B.2.6
Development, creative and research activities
7
View competence
Performance indicators:
1. manages learning communities and collaboration networks in developing the knowledge of the study field; elaborates and distributes innovative and creative solutions; participates in preparation of and carrying out events and projects popularising subject/study field;
2. participates in composing documents guiding the development of the organisation; plans and manages process; participates in the work of organisations and expert groups of the study field; gives input and feedback to bills, proposals, development plans etc.; makes suggestions for innovative changes in the organisation.
Optional Competences
In addition, it is possible to verify optional competences B.2.7 and B.2.11.
Competence
EstQF Level
B.2.7
Management
8
View competence
Performance indicators:
1. creates a team, manages its work in an organisation, taking into account its goal and taking responsibility for decisions, activities and results; motivates team members and creates opportunities for development, delegating tasks relevantly and fairly, facilitating collaboration; gives clear instruction for action and timely and relevant feedback;
2. selects and sets priorities; participates in strategic planning and connects own action with it; plans activities and resources; monitors processes, analyses situation and results, intervenes when needed and plans timely changes; supports the application of new evidence-based development activities
3. manages subject, professional and/or speciality association, network or learning community on organisational or regional level, proceeding from the trends of the field of education and taking into account the values of the work of a teacher; involves members in activities (incl development of viewpoints and making decisions); takes responsibility for viewpoints and development of a network/learning community.
B.2.8
Instruction and training of teachers
7
View competence
Performance indicators:
1. as a mentor supports the acclimatization of a beginning teacher or a new colleague; participates in planning and conducting organisational in-service training, taking into account evidence- based and best practices;
2. instructs pedagogical practice in the organisation, taking into account the curriculum at the university, guidelines for the practice and the specifics of the trainee; gives feedback and makes suggestions for developing pedagogical practice.
B.2.9
Development of methodology and learning materials
7
View competence
Performance indicators:
1. analyses and develops methodologies for determination of development and learning needs of a learner and supporting learning, taking into account the educational trends and building on contemporary pedagogical knowledge and best practices; distributes methodologies on an organisational level;
2. drafts new reviewed learning materials, building on contemporary pedagogical-psychological and subject knowledge and technological opportunities; instructs drafting and adaptation of learning materials in the organisation.
B.2.10
Supporting the learner with special educational needs
7
View competence
Performance indicators:
1. has overview of the legislation in the field of special education, understands and uses the widespread terminology used in the field; knows and uses the opportunities for learning arrangements in connection with special education needs; notices a learner differing from others in the learning process and the need for support; describes and analyses the learning skills, behaviour, psychic processes etc of the learner in need of support; evaluates and analyses the correspondence of the learner´s knowledge, skills and core competences to the expected study results described in the national curriculum; recognises the types of special needs of the learners in need of general, enhanced and special support, and in collaboration with different stakeholders finds out individual learning needs; initiates in collaboration with special education coordinator the opening of the individual development card and fills it out;
2. designs the learning environment according to the needs and development of the learner, ensuring the learning support and success experience; conducts individual and group activities supporting learner´s development; when possible together with the student in need of support sets feasible learning goals, modifies learning materials and work arrangements, guides the learner to use help materials; applies the recommendations of the counselling team for learners in need of enhanced and special support; compiles and applies individual study
curriculum in one or multiple subjects or applies a different curriculum; when in need compiles
a behavioural support plan and applies it; when modifying and analysing the effectiveness of the applied support measures collaborates with support specialists, colleagues and parents;
3. counsels and instructs parents and colleagues in supporting the learner in the learning process; instructs people (support personnel, teacher trainees etc) included in learning activities; counsels colleagues in modifying learning environment and learning materials; analyses the applied support measures and makes recommendations to special education coordinator and/or head of the educational institution to change learning arrangements according to the
needs of the learners in need of support.
B.2.11
Application of digital pedagogy
7
View competence
Performance indicators:
1. creates and compiles instructional and methodological materials for applying digital tools on regional level; organises and conducts in-service training outside of own organisation supporting the development of digital competencies and the meaningful use of different digital tools; recommends digital tools, instructs and helps colleagues in finding, starting to use, and securely using digital tools; enhances in collaboration with teachers in the region the usage of digital tools in teaching;
2. analyses the digital infrastructure of the organisation and makes suggestions to update it and to be applied both in the learning process as well as management of the institution; evaluates security risks and makes suggestions to mitigate them;
3. supports and evaluates curriculum development with offering digital tools and integrating the digital competence in teaching; participates in elaborating and monitoring the strategy of the digital field and in subject field collaboration networks on organisational and regional level; supports the management in the educational institution on strategic planning of the field of educational technology.
Recurring competences
Competence
EstQF Level
B.2.12
Recurrent competence of the profession Senior Teacher, EstQF Level 7
7
View competence
Tegevusnäitajad:
1. määratleb ennast õpetaja ja õppiva professionaalina ning tajub sellest lähtuvat vastutust ja rolli ühiskonnas; analüüsib oma professionaalset arengut, olles avatud tagasisidele ja arvestab sellega enesearengu kavandamisel; tegutseb teadliku ja vastutustundliku kodanikuna;
2. valdab õppesisu, hoiab end kursis valdkondlike uuendustega, arvestades valdkonna-alase teadmuse, teaduspõhisuse ja parimate praktikatega ning õppekavast tulenevate nõuetega; kasutab oma töös teemakohast (teadus)kirjandust;
3. teab, kuidas õppesisu kõige tõhusamal viisil erinevatele õppijatele õpetada ning kuidas toetada teaduspõhiste arusaamade kujunemist ja saavutada vajadusel muutusi õppijate mõttemudelites; oskab pedagoogilisi teadmisi siduda ainealaste teadmistega õppimise tõhustamiseks; teab ja valib õppesisu õpetamisel sobiva keerukustaseme ning esitusviisi;
4. märkab, tunnustab, innustab õppijat, lapsevanemat ja kolleegi, tunnustab ka väikseid edusamme; toetab õpimotivatsiooni kujunemist läbi tähenduslike ja jõukohaste õpisituatsioonide loomise, eneseteostuse ja õppimisest tekkiva rahulolu soodustamise; märkab mittemotiveerivate situatsioonide teket õpiprotsessis ja leiab lahendusi nende kõrvaldamiseks individuaalsel või klassi/rühma tasandil;
5. on koostöistes õpisituatsioonides hea koostööle pühenduv partner; toob koostöisesse õpisituatsiooni oma teadmised ja kogemused ning rakendab neid kolleegide võimestamisel; teeb koostöiselt otsuseid; analüüsib koostöö tõhusust;
6. loob positiivse suhtluskeskkonna ja käitub vastavalt headele suhtlemistavadele; juhib oma emotsioone ja käitumisviise vastavalt situatsioonile; esindab õpetaja professiooni, suheldes erinevate sihtgruppidega; loob koostööks vajalikke suhtevõrgustikke; kujundab õppijate kommunikatsiooni-/ suhtlemisoskusi; analüüsib ja arendab oma suhtlemisoskusi, annab konstruktiivset tagasisidet ja on sellele avatud; esindab õpetaja professiooni väljaspool klassi/rühma nii suuliselt kui kirjalikult, suheldes üle-eestilisel tasemel (nt ajakirjanikega);
7. juhindub oma töös õpetaja kutse-eetikast; toetab oma tegevuse kaudu kutse-eetika ja õpetaja ameti laiemat teadvustamist ning väärtustamist ühiskonnas; kujundab ja järgib ühiskonna väärtusi ja norme erinevates keskkondades; kujundab oma eeskujuga õppijate väärtusi;
8. mõistab ja rakendab matemaatikale, loodusteadustele ja tehnoloogiale omaseid teadmisi ja meetodeid probleemide lahendamisel; tõlgendab matemaatilisi tulemusi igapäevaelu kontekstis; loob tehnoloogilisi lahendusi ja tegutseb nii looduslikus kui ka tehnoloogiarikkas keskkonnas, arvestades looduse, tehnoloogia ja ühiskonna vastasmõjusid;
9. on orienteeritud tulemustele ja isiklike tööeesmärkide saavutamisele; otsib võimalusi enesearendamiseks ja karjääris edasiliikumiseks; pakub uusi ideid ja viib neid ellu, arvestades valdkonna- ja ainealase teadmuse, teaduspõhisuse ja parimate praktikatega; märkab probleeme ja neis peituvaid võimalusi; reageerib paindlikult muutustele ja võtab arukaid riske;
10. kasutab korrektset õpetamiskeelt kõnes ja kirjas ning väljendab ennast arusaadavalt; kasutab oma töös õpetamiskeelt tasemel C1 ning ühte võõrkeelt tasemel B2 (vt lisa 2 Keelete oskustasemete kirjeldused);
11. hindab ja arendab oma digikompetentsust vastavalt haridusvaldkonnas tunnustatud digipädevusmudelile.
Performance indicators:
1. defines oneself as a teacher and a learning professional and perceives the accompanying responsibility and role in the society; analyses one´s professional development, being open to feedback and takes it into consideration while planning personal development; acts as a knowledgeable and responsible citizen;
2. has a command of learning content, keeps him/herself posted about updates in the field, taking into account the knowledge, evidence-based and best practices of the field, as well as requirements from the curriculum, uses relevant (research) literature in his/her work;
3. knows how to teach the learning content in the most effective way to different learners and how to support the formation of science-based understanding and achieve changes in thinking models of the learners when needed; knows how to relate pedagogical knowledge to subject knowledge for making learning more efficient; knows and selects the appropriate level of complexity and presentation method of the study content in teaching;
4. notices, acknowledges, inspires the learner, parent and colleague, acknowledges also minor progress; supports the formation of learning motivation through creating meaningful and feasible learning situations, promoting self-realisation and satisfaction emerging from learning; notices the appearance of non-motivational situations in learning process and finds solutions to eliminating them on individual or class/group level;
5. in collaborative learning situations is a good partner dedicated to collaboration; brings his/her knowledge and experiences to a collaborative learning situation and applies these in empowering colleagues; makes decisions collaboratively; analyses the efficiency of collaboration;
6. creates a positive communication environment and behaves according to good communication practice; manages his/her emotions and behaviour according to the situation; represents teacher´s profession when communicating with different target groups: creates communication networks needed for cooperation; shapes communication and conversing skills of learners; analyses and develops own communication skills, provides constructive criticism and is open to it; represents teacher´s profession outside of class/group both in speaking and writing, communicating on across-Estonia level (e.g. with journalists)
7. proceeds from professional ethics of a teacher in his/her work; supports broader recognition and valuation of professional ethics and the profession of a teacher in the society through his/her own action; develops and follows values and norms of the society in various environments; develops values of the learner with his/her own example;
8. understands and applies knowledge and methods characteristic to mathematics, sciences and technology when solving problems; interprets mathematical results in every-day life context; creates technological solutions and acts in both natural as well as technologically rich environment, taking into account the counteraction of nature, technology and society;
9. is oriented towards achievement of results and personal work objectives; looks for opportunities for self-development and advancing in career; offers and realises new ideas, taking into account field- and subject-related knowledge, science-based and best practices; notices problems and hidden opportunities therein; reacts flexibly to changes and assumes reasonable risks;
10. uses correct teaching language verbally and in writing and expresses oneself clearly; uses in one´s work teaching language on level C1 and one foreign language on level B2;
11. evaluates and develops his/her digital competence according to the digital competence model recognized in the education field.
Evaluation method(s):
Recurrent competencies are evaluated in the course of evaluation of other competencies listed in the occupational qualification standard.
C General information and Annexes
Designation of occupational qualification standard in register:
21-28042020-1.7/6k
Field of occupational activity:
Education
Occupational Qualification Council:
Education
No. of decision of Occupational Qualification Council:
23
Date of decision of Occupational Qualification Council:
28.04.2020
EstQF level:
7
Reference to European Qualifications Framework (EQF):