Danielson Thinks You're Proficient

If I could go back in the classroom, I would be a hall of famer.  Really, I think I would totally rock. I'm not thinking of going back into the classroom, but I am totally confident that I am way better prepared to teach now then I was back them.  I have one specific group to thank for this.  Every teacher I have ever worked with deserves credit for my love of classroom practice.

I heave learned more from my teachers in 13 years than I could ever know on my own.  Not just from the interactions, but also the evaluation and observation process that takes place every year.  I know what you are thinking and your wrong.  Evaluating teachers is not that bad.  Yes, the paperwork and formality of the process is not fun.  The act of seeing what your students see and the chance to help a teacher grow is a great thing to be a part of.  The mindset you carry into evaluation, sets the tone for your staff.  They will either be afraid of the result or better yet, not afraid to take healthy instructional risks.

The evaluation season is wrapping up for me, but as I complete all the rating paperwork and prepare for summative rating meetings all I can think about is the positive takeaways I get from the process.  I honestly feel that I have been blessed with great teachers, but that is who this process is really about.  If you use the evaluation process to control or intimidate your staff, shame on you.  I know a lot of awesome principals, but there are always those few horror stories that we have to learn from.  You have to use your process for growing people.  I often tell people that simply saying "Good Job" is not feedback.  Citing specific evidence for the purposes of teaching or improving is.  Principals, what kind of feedback are you giving?

Teachers, I know getting a "Proficient" feels a little icky.  I know a lot of good teachers that bust their tails for kids everyday and are always working on their craft that have been rated Proficient.  One thing I have realized is that we are all teachers and love to get good grades.  When we are not "Excellent" is feels like we got a B or heaven forbid, our first C.  That rating does not indicate your value to the school building.  It reflects how well you fit into the Danielson Framework.  Think about it, you have students in your classrooms that are far more competent than their grade in your class.  The next time your colleague feels down, cheer them up with this meme.

As we wrap up the evaluation season know that, just like your students, you are worth more than your rating.  I know that there are a lot of strings attached and it feels stressful.  Just because Danielson thinks you are proficient, doesn't mean that I do.  Good school leaders see what you bring to the students each day.  If they are lucky, they get to learn from the best like I have over the years.