The North Carolina Teacher Academy Professional Development Standards are aligned with the National Staff Development Council’s Standards for Staff Development and are designed to assist schools in outlining school improvement goals. Results-driven, standards-based, and job-embedded professional development is concentrated in five core areas: process, context, content, differentiation, and professional support.

Process Standards
Professional development maximizes student growth by using disaggregated data to identify learning priorities and structure school improvement plans; fosters leadership by promoting collaborative decision-making and providing ultimate working conditions for sustaining cultural changes; and uses multiple assessment processes for monitoring and evaluating school progress.

Context Standards
Professional development maximizes student growth by creating learning communities that celebrate student diversity and cultural differences; establishes a context for building significant relationships and institutionalizes high expectations; and maintains safe and orderly school environments that illustrate citizenry needed to function in a global society.

Content Standards
Professional development maximizes student growth by meeting rigorous academic standards; deepens content knowledge by implementing researched-based instructional strategies, technological competencies, and integrated curricula; and encourages academic autonomy and life-long learning.

Differentiation Standards
Professional development maximizes student growth by improving teacher identification of learning modalities; employs pedagogical methods designed to differentiate instruction for all students; and incorporates a variety of approaches to engage all students in the learning process.

Professional Support Standards
Professional development maximizes student growth by providing learning opportunities to support the recruitment and retention of highly qualified teachers; invests in the development of initially licensed and lateral entry teachers through mentoring; and supports experienced teachers in earning National Board Certification.