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Danielson Lesson Plan Template

A lesson plan mapped to Domain 1 of the Danielson Framework for Teaching, so your planning evidence is easy for an evaluator to find.

Your plans save automatically in this browser only. Nothing is sent to us or anyone else. Don't enter students' personal details.

The standards the lesson addresses: Common Core or state standard codes, with a short description.

Clear, rigorous outcomes suited to all students.

Key concepts, likely misconceptions, and why your teaching approach fits the content.

Students' interests, strengths, language and learning needs (as a class, no names).

Everything you need to prepare: texts, slides, manipulatives, handouts, tech.

Planning coherent instruction (1e)

A logical sequence of activities and groupings, with timings.

How you will check progress during and at the end of the lesson, and use what you find.

Support, extension, English learners, IEP/504 accommodations. Describe groups and needs, not named students.

What worked, what to change, who needs a re-teach.

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    Plans appear on the day set in their Date box. Click a plan to open it.

    What is a Danielson lesson plan?

    A Danielson lesson plan organizes your planning around Domain 1: Planning and Preparation of Charlotte Danielson's Framework for Teaching. It shows evidence for each component, from knowledge of content and students (1a, 1b) to outcomes, resources, coherent instruction and assessment (1c to 1f).

    The Framework for Teaching is used for teacher evaluation in many US districts. It has four domains: Planning and Preparation, the Classroom Environment, Instruction, and Professional Responsibilities. Domain 1 is the one you show through your lesson plans; the others are observed in the classroom.

    Domain 1 components in this template

    • 1a Applying knowledge of content and pedagogy: key concepts, common misconceptions and why your approach suits the content.
    • 1b Knowing and valuing students: interests, strengths, language and learning needs of the class (no names).
    • 1c Setting instructional outcomes: clear, rigorous, measurable outcomes.
    • 1d Using resources effectively: materials, technology and other resources.
    • 1e Planning coherent instruction: a logical sequence of activities, groupings and timings.
    • 1f Designing and analyzing assessments: how you'll check progress and use what you find.

    Component names here follow the 2022 update of the Framework for Teaching. Older rubrics use slightly different wording (for example "Demonstrating Knowledge of Content and Pedagogy"), so match your district's version if it differs.

    Tips for observations

    • Your evaluator reads quickly. Short, specific entries under each component beat long paragraphs.
    • For 1b, show you know the class: reading range, language needs, interests. Write about groups, not named students.
    • Plan your reflection (4a) straight after the lesson while it's fresh; the template has a box for it.

    Worked example: Danielson lesson plan

    Here is a complete example made with the maker above. Use it as a model, or load it into the form and change it to suit your class.

    Danielson lesson plan

    Analyzing theme in a short story

    SubjectEnglishGrade10
    DateLength50 minutes

    Standards

    CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.2 (determine a theme of a text and analyze its development).

    Setting instructional outcomes (1c)

    Students will state a theme of the story in a complete sentence and trace how two key moments develop it.

    Applying knowledge of content and pedagogy (1a)

    Theme is a message about life, not a single word. Common misconception: confusing topic ("friendship") with theme ("true friends tell hard truths"). A topic-to-theme ladder helps bridge the gap.

    Knowing and valuing students (1b)

    The class enjoys debate; reading levels vary widely; several students are English learners who benefit from oral rehearsal before writing.

    Using resources effectively (1d)

    Short story (with audio version), topic-to-theme ladder organizer, sticky notes, projector

    Planning coherent instruction (1e)

    TimeActivity
    7 minDo-now: topics vs themes card sort.
    10 minModel with the first scene: move from topic to theme using the ladder.
    18 minSmall groups trace two key moments that develop a theme; each group drafts a theme statement.
    10 minDebate: groups defend their theme with evidence.
    5 minExit ticket.

    Designing and analyzing assessments (1f)

    Circulate with a checklist during group work; exit ticket: one theme statement plus one quoted piece of evidence.

    Differentiation and accommodations

    Audio version; theme starter bank; extension: compare the theme with another story read this unit.

    Planned time: 50 minutes of 50

    Common Core State Standards codes are cited for reference only; see the official Common Core site for the full standards. © Copyright 2010. National Governors Association Center for Best Practices and Council of Chief State School Officers. All rights reserved.

    Frequently asked questions

    What are the components of Danielson Domain 1?

    Domain 1 (Planning and Preparation) has six components: 1a knowledge of content and pedagogy, 1b knowledge of students, 1c setting instructional outcomes, 1d resources, 1e planning coherent instruction, and 1f designing assessments.

    What are the four domains of the Danielson Framework?

    Planning and Preparation, the Classroom Environment, Instruction, and Professional Responsibilities. The 2022 update renamed some of them, but the structure is the same.

    Do I need a Danielson template for my observation?

    Only if your district asks for one. Even if not, organizing your plan around 1a to 1f makes it easier for an evaluator to find evidence.

    Is this template affiliated with the Danielson Group?

    No. It is an independent template that uses the Framework's published component names so you can map your planning to it.

    Other lesson plan models

    5E modelEngage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate. The inquiry model for science.Madeline HunterThe classic seven-step plan for direct instruction.UDLUniversal Design for Learning: plan for every learner from the start.SIOPContent and language objectives for teaching English learners.edTPACentral focus, academic language and planned supports for student teachers.UbD / backward designBackward design: results, then evidence, then the learning plan.ASCA (school counselor)Mindsets & Behaviors standards with a plan for participation and outcome data.