Recently, a debate on teacher observations emerged on social media. One administrator praised a teacher for rehearsing the lesson before his observation. When the observation took place, the administrator discussed how it showed student engagement. Then, a teacher trainer discussed how teacher observations should not be rehearsed, and observations are not the best tool to use for teacher improvement. The debate also expressed, and had examples of, how teachers and students are nervous, and their performances sometimes go well and not so well.
Today, many districts and schools do not use observations as the only tool to measure teachers’ yearly evaluations. They also include data analysis, student feedback, and self-reflection. But observations are still the main tool that is used to document teacher evaluation.
Ultimately, teacher observations are used to improve both teacher and student behaviors, performance, and achievements. But if an administrator only comes into the classroom once or twice a year, student and teacher performance will not be reflected in the observation. Improving student and teacher behavior occurs when they feel supported and provided guidance; that is, when behaviors improve.
Administrators who want positive improvement need to be in the classrooms without sitting behind their desks. When an administrator formally observes a classroom, he/she should know what to expect in the classroom because he/she has been in the classroom often from walk-throughs, visiting the classrooms, and just being in the classroom, engaging the teacher and students.
Teacher observation reflects what happens in that classroom at that moment. It is not the full picture of what ensues in the classroom. Administrators, you also need to respect the teacher and the students by being on time.
Teacher observations are changing, but still, some administrators are using the tool as a gotcha moment. As administrators, we need to change our behavior toward observations and be more present in the school so we can already know how all the classrooms function and provide the support needed to all the teachers and students, so that behaviors can be changed.
Observations can be used as a tool, but what is more effective is being visible in the school and classrooms. If the administrators are present in the school, they can help change negative behaviors to positive ones because they have built relationships with the community.
Commit to being in every classroom daily. Be present and provide actionable feedback that is not negative. It should be how to improve the behavior of the teacher and students. Provide follow-through by helping the teacher make changes by providing support so they can change behaviors.
