• Communicating clearly with students

  • Using questioning and discussion techniques

  • Engaging students in learning

  • Using assessment during instruction

  • Demonstrating flexibility and responsiveness


 

For the Instruction section (Domain 3) of the Danielson Framework for Teaching, artifacts should show what actually happens during teaching—how you engage students, facilitate discussion, check for understanding, and respond to student learning.

This domain focuses on delivery of instruction, not just planning.

Key Components of Domain 3

Instruction artifacts should demonstrate:

  • Clear communication of learning goals

  • Effective questioning and discussion

  • Student engagement in meaningful tasks

  • Ongoing assessment during instruction

  • Flexibility and responsiveness to students

Strong Artifacts for the Instruction Section

1. Instructional Slides or Teaching Materials

Artifacts that show how you present content.

Examples:

  • Lesson slides or presentation decks

  • Guided notes

  • Discussion prompts

  • Close reading questions

  • Writing prompts

These demonstrate clarity of instruction and scaffolding.

2. Discussion and Questioning Strategies

Artifacts showing how you promote student thinking and dialogue.

Examples:

  • Socratic seminar questions

  • Higher-order questioning frameworks

  • Discussion protocols

  • Think–Pair–Share prompts

  • Literature discussion guides

These demonstrate student-centered learning.

3. Student Engagement Activities

Artifacts showing active learning, not just lecture.

Examples:

  • Group analysis activities

  • Writing workshops

  • Peer review activities

  • Inquiry-based learning tasks

  • Collaborative annotation exercises

4. Formative Assessment Tools

Evidence that you monitor learning during instruction.

Examples:

  • Exit tickets

  • Quick writes

  • Polls or digital check-ins

  • Mid-lesson comprehension checks

  • Annotation tasks

These show real-time assessment.

5. Feedback on Student Work

Artifacts demonstrating how you support learning through feedback.

Examples:

  • Annotated student essays

  • Rubrics with comments

  • Revision guidance

  • Writing conferences notes

This is especially strong for English teachers.

6. Student Work Samples

Artifacts showing student learning during instruction.

Examples:

  • Annotated texts

  • Discussion notes

  • Drafts and revisions

  • Writing samples

Include your feedback if possible.

7. Reflection on Instruction

Short reflections demonstrating instructional responsiveness.

Examples:

  • Adjustments made during a lesson

  • What worked / what didn’t

  • How student responses shaped the lesson

Example Instruction Portfolio Set

A strong Instruction section might include:

  1. Lesson slides or instructional materials

  2. Discussion questions or Socratic seminar plan

  3. Student engagement activity (group or workshop task)

  4. Formative assessment example (exit ticket)

  5. Student work sample with feedback

  6. Reflection on the lesson

Especially Strong Artifacts for Secondary English

Because you're teaching English, these artifacts stand out:

  • Close reading protocols

  • Writing workshop structure

  • Peer review guidelines

  • Annotated student essays

  • Revision feedback examples

Your technical writing background could also shine here if you include:

  • Audience analysis exercises

  • Professional writing templates

  • Revision workflow activities

✅ Quick rule:

  • Planning = what you prepare

  • Environment = how the classroom runs

  • Instruction = what students actually do and experience