Educator Competency Framework

 

Acting with Integrity

NSU educators develop honest, fair, and consistent instructional practices that encourage freedom of inquiry.

NSU educators will:

• Apply sound professional judgment in all aspects of instructional decision-making.
• Demonstrate transparency and fairness by using appropriate assessments, providing specific feedback, and communicating grades promptly.
• Model and promote integrity by consistently demonstrating honesty, responsibility, respect, fairness, and compassion in all educational interactions.

Creating Learner-Centered Environments

NSU educators will create environments that meet learners’ needs and maximize their academic success and professional development.

NSU educators will:

• Build supportive educator–learner relationships that promote personalized and engaged learning.
• Design and implement varied learning experiences that meet learner needs and align with instructional goals.
• Create inclusive, accessible learning environments that support diverse perspectives and equitable participation.
• Strengthen learners’ lifelong learning skills by modeling professionalism, reflection, and critical thinking.
• Promote learner agency through active participation, shared responsibility, and actionable feedback.

Designing Effective Learning Experiences

NSU educators will design effective learning experiences that support learner success.

NSU educators will:

• Develop clear, measurable learning objectives aligned with course and program outcomes.
• Design and implement formative and summative assessments that accurately measure learning and reflect overall learner progress.
• Create and curate course content and instructional strategies that effectively support achievement of learning objectives.
• Use learner feedback, peer review, and self-reflection to continuously improve teaching practices and course materials.
• Integrate strategies that promote learning transfer across varied contexts and applications.

Using Technology Ethically & Effectively

NSU educators purposefully select, integrate, and evaluate technology tools to enhance learning, support accessibility, engage students, and uphold ethical and professional standards in digital environments.

NSU educators will:

• Select technology tools that align with learning objectives and enhance instructional effectiveness.
• Design technology-enabled learning experiences that promote active engagement, collaboration, and accessibility for all learners.
• Use learning management systems and digital platforms to deliver content, communicate effectively, and provide timely feedback.
• Apply data from digital tools (e.g., analytics, quizzes, discussion dashboards) to monitor learner progress and adjust instruction.
• Model ethical, responsible, and secure use of technology, including compliance with privacy policies, accessibility standards, and academic integrity guidelines.

Advancing Scholarship and Research

NSU educators engage in scholarly and research activities that strengthen teaching excellence, advance the university’s reputation, and expand professional and academic networks.

NSU educators will:

• Stay current with research in their discipline and effective teaching practices.
• Apply research-informed strategies to improve instruction and student learning.
• Participate regularly in conferences, symposia, or professional development to strengthen scholarly expertise.
• Disseminate scholarly work through university events, professional networks, or public forums.
• Build collaborative relationships with alumni, industry partners, and academic peers to support research and student career readiness.