So what IS a fair evaluation system for teachers?

[proud2BlibKansan]

80. It was like that when I started teaching.

Even before, in college, I can remember being sent into classrooms with the task of noting various effective instructional techniques. Then we'd come back to class and have the best discussions. Saw some absolutely wonderful teachers. And not a word about fucking data or test scores.

Then when I started teaching, my first principal would come into my classroom and basically do the same thing. She would note what I did WELL, when I was able to connect with the kids as learners. She sat in on parent teacher conferences and praised me for different things I said to parents. All of the advice and mentoring I received was from a positive perspective.

And they THANKED ME!

I don't even remember the last time any administrator thanked me for what I do.

My evaluations now usually begin something like this: "I know you are a seasoned veteran, but they make me find areas where you need to improve. Please don't take this personally, but ..... "

And it goes downhill from there.