Supporting Teacher Candidates Beyond Graduation: Using EPiC™ as a Reflective Lens for Ongoing Practice

The transition from teacher candidate to fully-fledged educator is filled with both excitement and challenges. For many, the journey doesn’t stop after graduation—especially for those in alternative pathways to certification who are already teaching in classrooms. The EPiC™ Key Assessment serves as a critical tool in this ongoing journey, giving teacher candidates—whether from traditional 4-year programs or alternative certification pathways—a powerful lens to reflect on and adjust their teaching practice. Even after completing the assessment, the insights gained continue to shape their development long after they’ve entered the classroom.

Evidence-First™ Insights for Adjusting Instruction

The data collected through EPiC offers Evidence-First™ insights that guide teachers in adjusting their practice. The assessment gives teachers a clear picture of where they excel and where they can improve in areas like student engagement, questioning strategies, or classroom interactions.

For teachers already in the classroom, EPiC feedback serves as a valuable tool for refining methods and adapting to students' evolving needs. The evidence highlights key areas for improvement, enabling targeted adjustments to enhance classroom effectiveness. The included PD Bytes™ self-paced online courses focus on best practice strategies to further support this growth, helping teachers refine their skills in under an hour. With both data and ongoing professional development, teachers are better equipped to foster student success and engagement.

Adapting to New Challenges in the Classroom

Classroom environments are dynamic, and teachers often face new challenges as they gain more experience. From working with diverse students to integrating technology, each day in the classroom presents new growth opportunities. EPiC helps teachers reflect on their practice and adapt to these challenges, providing a clear framework for adjusting their teaching strategies.

To see how EPiC has impacted real teachers, check out "Kevin's EPiC™ Adventure," where Kevin shares his personal experience with the assessment and how it shaped his classroom practice.

Empowering Teachers to Be Their Own Coaches

The journey from teacher candidate to accomplished educator is ongoing, and EPiC provides the foundation for that growth. By offering a structured, Evidence-First™ approach to reflection, EPiC helps teachers identify strengths and areas for improvement, no matter where they are in their careers. Even after completing the assessment, the insights gained serve as a valuable resource for self-reflection and professional development, empowering teachers to adapt to new challenges, refine their practices, and enhance their impact on student learning.