What are effective ways to communicate teacher evaluation results?

1 Prepare in advance

Before meeting with the teacher, review the evaluation data and criteria, and identify the main strengths and areas for improvement. Consider the teacher's goals, context, and personality, and anticipate how they might react to the feedback. Prepare specific examples, suggestions, and resources to support your points. Also, plan the time, place, and format of the feedback session, and ensure that it is private, comfortable, and uninterrupted.

2 Start with positives

Begin the feedback session by expressing appreciation for the teacher's work and acknowledging their achievements. Highlight the aspects of their teaching that are effective, consistent, and aligned with the standards. Use descriptive and objective language, and avoid vague or general praise. For example, instead of saying "You did a great job", say "You used a variety of strategies to engage the students and check for understanding". This will help build rapport and trust, and set a positive tone for the rest of the conversation.

3 Be clear and specific

When addressing the areas for improvement, be clear and specific about what needs to change and why. Use evidence from the evaluation data, such as observations, student work, or surveys, to illustrate your points. Avoid personal judgments, comparisons, or assumptions, and focus on the behaviors and outcomes that are observable and measurable. For example, instead of saying "You are not managing the class well", say "I noticed that some students were talking, texting, or off-task during the lesson, which affected the learning environment". This will help the teacher understand the feedback and avoid defensiveness.

4 Invite dialogue

Feedback should not be a one-way communication, but a dialogue between the evaluator and the teacher. Invite the teacher to share their perspective, feelings, and questions about the evaluation results. Listen actively and empathetically, and acknowledge their concerns or challenges. Clarify any misunderstandings, and provide additional information or examples if needed. Encourage the teacher to reflect on their own strengths and weaknesses, and to identify their own goals and action steps for improvement.

5 Collaborate on a plan

The feedback session should end with a clear and realistic plan for improvement, based on the evaluation results and the teacher's input. Collaborate with the teacher to set SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timely) goals, and to determine the strategies, resources, and support they will need to achieve them. Agree on the timeline, indicators, and methods of monitoring and assessing the progress. Document the plan in writing, and review it regularly with the teacher. Provide ongoing feedback, recognition, and coaching as needed.

6 Follow up

Feedback is not a one-time event, but a continuous process of learning and growth. Follow up with the teacher after the feedback session, and check in on their implementation of the plan. Provide positive reinforcement for their efforts and achievements, and constructive feedback for their challenges and areas for improvement. Adjust the plan as necessary, based on the results and the teacher's feedback. Celebrate the successes, and celebrate the learning from the failures. Feedback is a powerful tool for improving teaching and learning, but only if it is communicated effectively.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?