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Teacher Evaluations '22

Teacher evaluations were intended to be a tool for teachers to receive feedback and improve, and to identify and elevate the best. Sometimes they are meaningful, but other times a trivial checklist.

Spelling it Out: A tutorial on teacher evaluations

Idaho administrators are required to evaluate all teachers every year. These evaluations matter because they are tied to tax dollars – teachers must earn a proficient or distinguished rating to be eligible for raises. And the more teachers who score high marks, the more money the state gives a district for salaries. Historically, nearly all […]

Performance makes almost no impact on pay

Evaluations and bonus initiatives intended to reward high-performing teachers ended up being overly-complicated, feeble, and/or short-lived

Administrators wish they had more flexibility

It’s currently a streamlined system that’s consistent statewide, but isn't always the best or most appropriate measuring stick.

The history, context and conflicts of teacher evaluations

They were supposed to be a golden ticket to strengthen education, attract teachers and boost morale. But more often, they are tedious checklists that have minimal impact on teacher pay.