Coaching and Teacher Evaluation

Video Transcription

Hi. My name is Ashley, and today's lesson is titled Coaching and Teacher Evaluation. In today's lesson, we'll look at the benefits of coaching in teacher evaluation. Then we'll look at the similarities and differences between coaching and teacher evaluation. Let's go ahead and get started.

What are the benefits of coaching in teacher evaluation? Instructional coaching is non-evaluative. This means that a teacher does not receive a score or rating after an observation. Evaluations can sometimes be perceived as threatening to teachers, whereas coaching is risk free. To keep coaching as non-evaluative, coaches should provide descriptive feedback that gives information on what is observed, rather than what is interpreted.

The coach then guides the teacher in understanding the information as the teacher asks questions to clarify. According to Buckingham, it's ineffective to work to fix challenges focusing only on weaknesses. Now, even though coaching is non-evaluative, in some cases, struggling teachers may be paired with a coach as a result of teacher evaluation. During the evaluation process, weaknesses were discovered, and a coach would help support the teacher in those areas.

Coaching may be added to a professional improvement plan. However, coaching will remain non-evaluative. It will be used to improve the teacher's teaching practices.

What are the similarities between coaching and evaluation? There are several similarities between the processes of coaching and evaluation. They both involve observation and assessment of the teacher's performance. In both cases, feedback is provided based on the observation.

Coaching and evaluation both involve setting and working towards professional goals. The end result of coaching and evaluation is professional improvement. Both are installed to help teachers improve in the profession. Lastly, coaching and evaluation both focus on specific topics or issues that need to be addressed.

What are the differences between coaching and evaluation? Coaching is more of an informal process, where evaluation is formal. There are certain required steps that have to be taken during evaluation. The conversations between the coach and teacher can be private, whereas the results from an evaluation have the potential to become public knowledge, depending on who is required to receive the evaluation information.

Coaching is non-evaluative. You won't be given a score based on an observation. On the other hand, evaluations are judgmental. You are rated based on your performance. Coaching can grow to be a long-term experience, whereas evaluation is only for a limited time. Coaches work with the teacher consistently to see that changes or improvements have been made. An evaluator doesn't typically assist teachers in working on a specific skill, as coaches do.

Like we mentioned before, coaching is a continuous development process. Teachers can seek the assistance of a coach as often as they like. There's no end to a coaching relationship. Evaluation is often a one-time check on a specific day to assess the teacher's performance.

Let's recap what we learned in today's lesson. Some benefits of coaching and teacher evaluation is that it is non-evaluative, and coaches use descriptive feedback to provide an overview of what was observed. We found that both coaching and evaluation have many similarities. They both involve setting and working towards goals and providing feedback to teachers.

Differences are that coaching is more informal, where teachers can enlisted the help of a coach anytime, and it's a long-term experience, whereas evaluations are more formal. There is a specific process that needs to be taken, and it's evaluative.

As we bring the lesson to a close, consider the similarities and differences between coaching and teacher evaluation. As you reflect on how this new information can be applied, you may want to explore the Additional Resources section that accompanies this video presentation. This is where you'll find links to resources chosen to help you deepen your learning and explore ways to apply your newly acquired skill set.