Re-Introducing the Hendy Instructional Excellence Rubric: A Renewed Vision for Teaching Excellence
The Hendy Instructional Excellence Rubric has been a cornerstone of our work at Hendy Avenue Consulting, designed to help educators create equitable and high-impact learning environments. We’re re-introducing it with a renewed focus on its core purpose: to be a practical, actionable roadmap for teachers and school leaders.
Why This Rubric Matters
The Hendy Rubric was built on a simple, yet powerful belief: every child deserves excellent instruction. Developed in partnership with teachers and leaders, it offers a clear vision for what excellent teaching looks like. It’s not a checklist; it’s a vision of excellent teaching and learning to help you reflect on your practice and grow as an educator.
What Makes the Rubric Unique?
What sets the Hendy Rubric apart is its balanced approach. It seamlessly integrates academic rigor with social-emotional learning, recognizing that both are critical for student success. The rubric is structured into four key domains, each with clear indicators of excellence:
- Classroom Culture: Creating a predictable, equitable, and positive learning environment.
- Lesson Content & Implementation: Focusing on rigorous, standards-aligned, and differentiated instruction.
- Student Thinking: Encouraging active student engagement and critical thinking.
- Responsiveness to Learning: Using data and feedback to guide instruction and ensure every student grows.
Watch this brief video to hear more about the rubric structure from Hendy’s Erica Murphy.
Putting the Rubric into Practice
While the rubric is a free tool, its real power comes from thoughtful implementation. We’ve seen schools achieve remarkable results by using it as a foundation for professional development, peer observation, and coaching. It provides a common language for discussing teaching and learning, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. We’re excited to see how you continue to use this powerful tool to unlock excellence in your classrooms. Download the free rubric here, and reach out for help with implementation!