ISTE Standards
These ISTE Educator Standards highlight the skills and mindsets educators need to support meaningful, technology-rich learning. Each standard on this page is paired with artifacts and reflections that illustrate how I design engaging instruction, collaborate with others, and empower students to take ownership of their learning. This collection represents the ways I strive to create thoughtful, innovative learning experiences in my classroom.
Learner
Educators continually improve their practice by learning from and with others, and exploring proven and promising practices that leverage technology to improve student learning.
I believe that great teaching begins with being a learner myself. I am always looking for ways to grow—whether through graduate coursework, professional development, online learning, or collaboration with colleagues. I enjoy exploring new instructional strategies and digital tools that strengthen my practice and help me create meaningful learning experiences for my students. Staying curious and continually learning allows me to model the same mindset I hope to inspire in my classroom.
Leader
Educators seek opportunities for leadership to support student empowerment and success and to improve teaching and learning.
As a leader, I work to create a culture where technology is used purposefully and confidently. I support colleagues by sharing digital tools, modeling new instructional strategies, and engaging in professional learning that strengthens our collective practice. Through committee work, collaborative planning, and a willingness to try new approaches, I strive to inspire others to explore innovative ideas. By leading with curiosity and openness, I help foster a school environment where both teachers and students feel empowered to grow.
Citizen
Educators inspire students to positively contribute to and responsibly participate in the digital world.
As a digital citizen myself, I believe it’s essential to help students learn how to navigate online spaces safely, respectfully, and responsibly. In my classroom, we discuss what appropriate online behavior looks like, how our actions affect others, and how to communicate with kindness. We explore topics such as cyberbullying and digital respect, connecting these conversations to our character education routines. I also teach students how to think critically about online information and question the credibility of what they find. My goal is to empower students with the skills and awareness they need to make safe and thoughtful choices online.
Collaborator
Educators dedicate time to collaborate with both colleagues and students to improve practice, discover and share resources and ideas, and solve problems.
Collaboration is at the heart of my teaching. I work closely with colleagues through scheduled planning time, committee involvement, and digital tools like Google Slides to share ideas and create meaningful learning experiences. I also collaborate with my students—especially with technology—by modeling transparency, curiosity, and problem-solving. When I encounter a new tool or a tech issue, we explore it together, emphasizing trial and error and learning from one another. I try to highlight student knowledge, celebrate creative strategies, and encourage them to support their peers. This collaborative culture strengthens our classroom community and reflects the belief that learning is something we build together.
Designer
Educators design authentic, learner-driven activities and opportunities that use technology to accommodate learner variability.
As a designer, I create learning experiences that are intentional, engaging, and responsive to the needs of my students. I use principles of instructional design to develop lessons that incorporate student interests, offer meaningful choice, and support learner variability. Whether I’m designing interactive activities, SEL-based lessons, or technology-rich projects, my goal is to build experiences that feel authentic and accessible for all learners.
Facilitator
Educators facilitate learning with technology to support student achievement of the 2016 ISTE Standards for Students.
As a facilitator, I use digital tools to deepen learning by giving students opportunities to collaborate, communicate, and reflect in meaningful ways. Tools like Padlet allow students to share their thinking, learn from peers, and gain new perspectives, even when the tool isn’t tied to a specific subject area. I also use platforms such as Google Forms and Seesaw to support student reflection, track progress, and create opportunities for students to explain their reasoning. By integrating technology that promotes creativity, peer interaction, and critical thinking, I help students take ownership of their learning and engage more deeply with content.
Analyst
Educators understand and use data to drive their instruction and support students in achieving their learning goals.
I prioritize giving students timely, meaningful feedback that helps them understand their progress and make informed decisions about their learning. I frequently provide immediate verbal feedback during class as students work through problems or practice new skills. Digital tools like Seesaw, Google Forms, and Kahoot allow me to offer quick, specific feedback and give students real-time insight into their understanding. I aim for a fast turnaround on assignments so students can reflect, adjust, and continue moving forward. By using a combination of formative assessments and digital platforms, I create ongoing opportunities for students to monitor their growth and take ownership of their learning.
