It is difficult to overstate the importance of planning and preparation. The components in Domain 1: Planning & Preparation focus on:

1a: Applying Knowledge of Content and Pedagogy
1b: Knowing and Valuing Students
1c: Setting Instructional Outcomes
1d: Using Resources Effectively
1e: Planning Coherent Instruction
1f: Designing and Analyzing Assessments.
 

The components of Domain 2: Learning Environments describe conditions and qualities of environments that are conducive to learning and support student success. These components focus on:

2a: Cultivating Respectful and Affirming Environments
2b: Fostering a Culture for Learning
2c: Maintaining Purposeful Environments
2d: Supporting Positive Student Behavior
2e: Organizing Spaces for Learning.

The components of Domain 3: Learning Experiences are unified through a vision of students developing complex understanding, achieving goals, cultivating purpose, and participating in a community of learners. These components focus on:

3a: Communicating About Purpose and Content
3b: Using Questioning and Discussion Techniques
3c: Engaging Students in Learning
3d: Using Assessment for Learning
3e: Responding Flexibly to Student Needs.
 

The components of Domain 4: Principled Teaching capture and reflect the practices of educators that extend beyond their classrooms or any single learning experience. These components focus on:

4a: Engaging in Reflective Practice
4b: Documenting Student Progress
4c: Engaging Families and Communities
4d: Contributing to School Community and Culture
4e: Growing and Developing Professionally
4f: Acting in Service of Students.