Prepare for your evaluation like a conversation
It isn't an ambush if you know what they're looking for.
Written with AI — this one isn’t Tammy. The Field Guide covers ground her videos don’t, and keeps to what’s well established. It doesn’t know your students, and nothing here overrides your school’s policy or your state’s law. · 1 min read
What to do
- Ask which framework your school uses to evaluate teachers — many use the Danielson Framework or a state model — and get a copy of the rubric.
- Know your timeline: how many observations, whether they're announced, and when your summative evaluation happens. Probationary teachers are often on a tighter schedule.
- Ask your evaluator which areas they'll focus on this year. Most will tell you.
- Keep a simple evidence folder: lesson plans, student work, family communication, professional learning.
- Treat feedback as information, not a verdict. Pick one thing to work on and let your evaluator see you've done it.
Why it works
Being observed is uncomfortable, and new teachers tend to treat it as a performance. Evaluators generally want to see ordinary, solid teaching and a teacher who responds to feedback. Knowing the criteria turns it from a test you can't see into a conversation you can prepare for.
Try this tomorrow
Email your evaluator this week and ask which one or two parts of the rubric they'd like you to focus on this year.
Watch out
Don't debut a brand-new, untested lesson format on observation day. Teach what you'd teach anyway, and do it well.
Tammy on this
The same subject from someone who has actually done it for thirty years.
1:21If you're in it for the summers off, rethink it
One of the most rewarding things you'll do, and one of the hardest. Both are true.
With Tammy Striler
1:02Take the twelve-month pay
Teachers are paid over ten months, not twelve. Spread it out from day one.
With Tammy Striler
1:13The things people say when you tell them you're a teacher
“That's so fun, you get to play all day.” You'll hear it forever. Here's the answer.
With Tammy Striler
More from the Field Guide
Read your contract. Find your rep.
Your hours, duties, leave and pay rules are written down. Know them before you need them.
Written with AI — not by Tammy
Teach routines like they're content
Every transition you don't teach, you'll spend the year managing.
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Ask what the behavior is for
Most misbehavior is a student getting something or avoiding something. Find out which.
Written with AI — not by Tammy