What is the meaning of 'professional standards' for teachers?

• A. The salary schedule and benefits.
• B. The number of CPD hours required.
• C. The expected levels of knowledge, skills, and dispositions for effective teaching.
• D. The school's facility quality.

Answer: (C)

Professional standards define what good teaching looks like in practice. They specify the expected levels of knowledge, skills, and dispositions a teacher should demonstrate to be effective. This includes understanding subject content and pedagogy, ability to plan, deliver, and assess learning, and the professional attitudes and behaviours—such as ethics, reflection, and collaboration—that support student success. Standards provide a benchmark for teacher preparation, ongoing development, and performance evaluation, guiding what teachers should know and be able to do rather than focusing on pay, required CPD hours, or the school’s facilities.