Rethinking Teacher Evaluations: Consistency Over Performance

Chad OstrowskiBlog, Innovate Better, Lead Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better, Reflect Better, The Grid Method

The topic of teacher evaluations often stirs a mix of anxiety and debate among educators. I feel the stress and anxiety in classrooms all around the country. While these assessments aim to measure teaching effectiveness, they tend to (more often than we’d all like to admit) promote a culture of “performance” lessons—special classes designed to impress school leaders. This raises … Read More

Episode #282: Dr. Marcy Roan

Dana GoodierOut of the Trenches Podcast

Marcy is a veteran educator who has spent most of her career as a coach of teachers and school leaders.  Her experiences at the classroom, school, district, and state levels provide a unique perspective for educators looking to transform schools and drive student achievement. Dr. Roan is an accomplished school leader with proven results at the elementary and middle school … Read More

Lessons Learned From Learning Walks

Steven WeberBlog, Connect Better, Lead Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: A learning walk can be a fly-by, informal observation, look for and ask about, peer observation, or video observation. You can even do learning walks in other schools. Problems with learning walks can include the purpose, timing, data collection, feedback, and closure. Steven shares 5 planning questions and next steps for learning walks. Lessons Learned from Learning Walks Yogi … Read More

Episode 22 | Featuring Craig Randall

Brad HughesGood News Brad News Podcast

Craig Randall‘s experience as a counselor, coach, teacher, and principal set him up perfectly to develop a model of teacher observation focused on building trusting relationships that spark teaching and learning growth. As the author of Trust-Based Observations, Craig is on a mission to change the world of teacher observations to a model of support that fosters risk-taking, innovation, and … Read More

In Defense of the Dog and Pony Show

Martin SilvermanBlog, Lead Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: Evaluators can use teacher observations as an opportunity for growth. They can explore what is right about their teaching and where their talents lie. Evaluators can take the excellent skills demonstrated in the best foot forward lessons and channel the discussions to help them hit that high bar more often. Let’s use our imperfect system to benefit our teachers … Read More