Task 2 of the edTPA requires that candidates record themselves teaching their learning segment, whether their learning segment is taught in-person or synchronously in a virtual learning environment. Depending on the handbook area, candidates must submit 1-2 video clips of themselves teaching for Task 2, with the video clip(s) spanning a specified period of time according to the handbook guidelines. You should be sure to review those guidelines carefully in your handbook prior to filming.
Recording Best Practices
- Collect all of the necessary consent forms from guardians before filming
- Use a tripod
- Practice recording and using your camera ahead of time
- If you’re using an iPod or iPhone, use the back-facing camera as this has a much higher resolution.
- Ensure that the camera is set up to where your face and the minimum number of students required for your handbook area can be clearly seen and heard in the video.
- Avoid bright backgrounds, such as windows, if you can
- Think about where to place any student(s) who don’t have permission to be filmed so they can participate off-camera.
- Ensure your camera has a full battery and that you have enough memory/storage for the full lesson(s)
- Plan to record the entire set of lessons
- Save and back your videos up in different places (e.g., Google Drive and your computer hard drive).
Video Editing Best Practices
Once you’ve filmed your learning segment, there are several types of free video editing software available for you to use. See here for acceptable video file types and guidelines from the edTPA.
- Windows Users - Movie Maker
- Mac & iOS Users - iMovie
- Free Video Software for Blurring Faces or Other Identifying Information
When selecting your video clip(s), make sure there is evidence of the following:
- Positive interactions between yourself and your student(s)
- Student(s) actively engaged in integrating the lesson’s strategies and skills
- You eliciting student responses that promote understanding and application
- Candidates’ support in helping the student(s) use (practice and apply) the lesson’s strategies and skills
- Student use of Academic Language (language function and one or more language demands)
Windows Users - Movie Maker
- Open the Windows Movie Maker program
- Click on the arrow next to “Save Movie” in the upper right
- Scroll down to “Create custom setting” and click it.
- Title the setting “edTPA”
- Settings: 853 (w) x 480 (h) - 256 KB bit rate audio at 96 kbps, 48 kHz
- Save and close custom settings
- Import video
- Play video until you get to the beginning of the portion you want to keep. Click on the Edit menu on top.
- Click on “Set Start Point”
- Click on “Set End Point”
- Go back to the Home menu
- Click the arrow next to save the movie and then click the edTPA.
- Title movie and click save.
Mac & iOS Users - iMovie
- Open the iMovie app
- Make sure Projects is selected
- Tap on the + symbol in the top corner of the screen, and select Movie
- Select your recording and then “Create Movie” at the bottom of the screen
- Click on the recording, and use the yellow bars at the end ends of the film strip to trim your video to the desired time frame.
- Tap “Done” in the upper left-hand corner
- On the next screen, select the box with the upward arrow and choose “Save Video.”
- Once it is exported tap OK and close the iMovie app. It should now live in your Photos app.
Free Video Software for Blurring Faces or Other Identifying Information
There are several free software types available that allow you to blur faces or other identifying information (e.g., student last names on desks) in your video. We’ve listed several below.