While this book focuses on evaluation of teachers, it is actually a book about fostering professional growth and improvement. In our writings, we provide support for teacher evaluation as a growth exercise, and show how creating a feedback rich culture in a school nurtures this process. The underlying theme is that evaluation data be utilized to drive professional development and growth, leading to reduction of teacher attrition and improved learning for students. At the heart of this feedback rich culture is the observation and evaluation process. For evaluation to be an exercise in professional growth, data must be collected and reviewed with the teacher so the administrator can provide support with transparency. This culture also places an urgency on the teacher evaluation process that has been historically absent. We include practical tips for creating this culture and maximizing opportunities for feedback, and examine traditional methods of evaluation and why these fell short in giving meaningful feedback to teachers. We will share innovative trends in teacher evaluation, and how these can be utilized to drive teacher growth, ultimately leading to improved student achievement. As our nation faces a teacher shortage and increasing teacher attrition rate, it is more vital than ever to retain and develop those currently practicing in the classroom. We highlight a research study by the author of teachers who have been evaluated consistently over a three-year period. This is more than a how to book, with a list of how to best implement the teacher evaluation process in your school. Instead, it is a how book, with best practices from experienced administrators and research from experts in the field such as Charlotte Danielson, Harvey Silver, and Robert Marzano, to guide educators to make informed decisions about implementing and improving their evaluation processes to meet their district's needs.
