4 Tips to Make Teacher Evaluations Meaningful

𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲.
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To ensure that teachers meet students' educational needs, each school must determine how to evaluate teachers' performance.
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By refocusing on teacher growth and development — the rationale of teacher evaluation — and assessing what works, leaders can make their structures more responsive, trustworthy, and influential on teacher learning and student achievement.
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Here are four suggestions to make your teacher evaluation meaningful and effective.

Engage with more people

Don't rely on one administrator to evaluate all teachers. Peers can also provide helpful feedback to teachers to help them improve their practice. Teachers are generally happier when they offer and receive feedback.

Evaluate students, not just teachers

Pay attention not only to teachers but also to their students. Observe their students and how they interact to understand the teachers' strengths and weaknesses better.

Make use of technology

Tech platforms facilitate coaching and evaluation. Teachers can record themselves and submit videos for assessment and coaching by evaluators and peers.

Create growth opportunities

Do not stop at the evaluation process. Identifying an actionable item that needs improvement helps a teacher prioritize the next steps.