How to Conquer edTPA Task 2 (And Examples)

edTPA task 2 is one way for aspiring teachers to prove that they’re prepared for the classroom.

The task requires pre-service teachers to submit a video clip, instruction commentary, and transcription of inaudible segments. Gathering the evidence needed is no small feat, and many preservice teachers feel overwhelmed by task 2. 

While requirements may feel overwhelming upon first glance, there’s no need to worry. Below are several tangible tips and edTPA 2 examples to help candidates complete edTPA task 2 with flying colors. 

Download our Ultimate How-To Guide on edTPA Videos

edTPA Task 2 Video Clip

Video clips are the primary evidence in edTPA task 2, so they can make or break a candidate’s edTPA submission. Take candidates through these steps and the advice below to prepare them to create a successful edTPA video for task 2.

Maintain Confidentiality

Three main aspects of confidentiality should be considered when working on task 2: 

• Obtain Consent: Candidates need consent from students and adults who appear in their video clips. Discuss this with candidates and distribute permission forms early in the semester before it’s too late.
• Maintain Privacy: Candidates should not post classroom video(s) online or with people not involved in the edTPA assessment. The video clips should only be used to submit to edTPA.
• Eliminate Identifying Information: Candidates should eliminate any identifying school information from video clips. School information may be shown on classroom posters or signs, but identifying details can be blurred out.

Prepare Adequately

Ever heard the saying “Fail to plan, plan to fail?” This phrase is spot-on when it comes to edTPA videos. Help prepare your teacher candidates to record high-quality videos by going over these five steps: 

• Review the handbook: Remind candidates to look over their edTPA handbook to ensure that they understand the video guidelines. Check out 5 edTPA Video Requirements to Review with Candidates for more specifics on edTPA video guidelines. 
• Get subject specific: Implore candidates to thoroughly read their subject-specific rubrics before writing their lesson plans. Because their video is based on their lesson plans, reading the rubrics before they begin writing is key. 
• Gather equipment: Collect the video and audio equipment needed. Although a smartphone or laptop is adequate for recording, they may choose to use additional resources.
• Practice: Practice recording the observation. Teaching in front of a camera can be nerve-wracking, but practicing will help candiates and their students look natural and confident. It’s also helpful to do a trial video to ensure that the video equipment is working properly. 
• Final Check: Remind candidates to confirm that the audio and picture of their video is clear before hitting the record button.

Edit and Transcribe

After recording, candidates should review their videos to make they’ve accomplished what they’ve set out to do. 

• Keep original footage: As they edit, never work with the original video—always make a copy and edit that file. This will protect their video from the dreaded “deleted file” incident.   
• Listen carefully: Remind candidates to listen to their video and note any portions where transcription may be needed for additional clarity. Add captions to segments that are not clearly audible.

Instruction Commentary

After completing the video portion, edTPA candidates are required to respond to a series of prompts. While the prompts are different for each subject, the objective is the same—the candidate must analyze their teaching. 

Tell candidates to use their video submission to strengthen their argument and demonstrate their classroom management skills. To do this, they must utilize timestamps from the video to guarantee crystal-clear evidence.

By using timestamps, they can reference the exact second where a specific task was accomplished. Timestamps should be used in every response, and the evidence marked by timestamps should be elaborated on to make your argument stronger.

When responding to the prompts, instruct candidates to ask themselves, “Do I make the scorer’s job easy to identify the evidence and do I state the information clearly?” Candidates shouldn’t hold back from sharing information in their writing because it feels repetitive. They should feel like they’re repeating themselves in their responses because they’re providing evidence. Oh, and tell them to double-check they’ve addressed every part of the prompt. 

Above all, tell candidates to not procrastinate! It takes time to obtain permission slips, create a lesson plan, record themselves, upload their video for review, and complete their commentary. Their experience with edTPA will likely be more enjoyable if it’s not delayed until the last minute. 

edTPA task 2 doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following these tips, you can help candidates develop the confidence and skills they need to pass edTPA and take charge of the classroom. For more edTPA resources, download the Ultimate How-To Guide on edTPA Videos.

If you’re interested in more edTPA tips, check out 9 Simple Ways to Make edTPA Videos Less Daunting