What makes a "good" teacher?  The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards has five core propositions which summarize the traits of effective, competent teachers.

1. Teachers are committed to students and learning.   
2. Teachers know the subjects they teach and how to teach those subjects to students.
3. Teachers are responsible for managing and monitoring student learning.
4. Teachers think systematically about their practice and learn from experience.
5. Teachers are members of learning communities.

The teachers at A. Z. Kelley demonstrate outstanding teaching skills.  They relentlessly pursue excellence in classroom planning and instruction, and they care deeply about students.  The assessments given are used to drive instruction with the goal of student learning.  The teachers desire to help children acquire academic knowledge and enhance social skills in order to be productive, contributing members of society.

What does an outstanding teacher look like?  Which teaching strategies are effective?  How are students making progress toward district, state, and national goals?  These questions are being answered daily by the caring, competent, and reflective teachers at A. Z. Kelley Elementary School.