Standard 6 focuses on the importance of educators having a deep understanding of the subjects they teach and a broad knowledge base to support student learning.
Great teaching starts with confidence in what you know. Whether it’s math, science, art, or history, teachers need to have a solid grasp of the material they’re teaching. This doesn’t mean just knowing the facts—it means understanding how different concepts connect, how they apply to real-world situations, and how to make them engaging and meaningful for students.
But teaching isn’t just about one subject at a time. A broad knowledge base helps educators draw connections between topics, answer unexpected questions, and help students see the bigger picture. For example, a science lesson might touch on history or ethics, or a language arts activity might link to social studies. These connections make learning richer and more engaging.
An example of this was in my English 10 class last practicum. For some reason, my students were obsessed with Bob Ross painting tutorials and asked to do one every week. I am not an artist, however, I appreciate the beauty in these painting tutorials and understand the importance of creativity and self-expression. During my last week of practicum, I set up a Bob Ross tutorial for them and explained the expectation that they would be writing a poem about their painting. The students were so engaged and excited about the painting that they had no issues writing poems (shocker I know). In the end, I collected some beautiful paintings and poems, and it was some of the best work I had received.
Understanding what you teach also means staying current. We as educators continually deepen our knowledge, whether it’s through professional development, collaborating with colleagues, or exploring new resources. Students benefit when teachers brings fresh ideas, modern examples, and up-to-date information to the classroom.
Most importantly, demonstrating knowledge means modeling curiosity and a love of learning. When teachers are excited about the content we’re teaching, that energy inspires students to ask questions, explore new ideas, and think critically.
Standard 6 is about more than expertise—it’s about using knowledge to spark curiosity, build understanding, and create a learning environment where students feel inspired to explore and grow. When educators are knowledgeable and passionate, it opens the door to a world of possibilities for their students.
