Evaluation Process

Teacher evaluation.   

• There should be early-established timelines for unit/lesson plans along with the specific criteria that is being sought in such plans.
• Principals are to provide early feedback on teacher strengths and weaknesses prior to the observations.
• Teachers have the autonomy to choose a lesson to be taught when it is not feasible to teach a lesson from the unit plan submitted.
• Principals are to review and consider additional data sources, as presented by the teacher.

Rubric for evaluation.  The specific language for what is required in each rating category is listed in the evaluation tool.  Teachers, as well as principals, should be using the characteristics for each letter (C, B, and A) in the Teacher Evaluation and Professional Growth Manual.

Time built in for completing paperwork.  Teachers are allowed up to three days, when necessary, to complete the paperwork.

Authority to evaluate.  Only principals, with the input from the assistant principal, can evaluate a teacher.  Literacy specialists and facilitators have no administrative authority and therefore have no formal role in the evaluation process.  However, a principal can use them as a source of feedback for improvement purposes.

Completion of evaluations.  Tenured teachers and Mental Health Support Personnel must have their evaluations completed by May 15 of each year. 

Teacher evaluation of principal. 

• During the principal’s evaluation cycle, the research division comes to the school and surveys the faculty. 
• There are other means through which to evaluate a principal’s performance, such as the Title I Needs Assessment, SACS, and PPEP (Principal’s Performance Evaluation Process).

MEA is attempting to simplify the evaluation process for teachers as well as administrators.  An evaluation tool that is easy to understand and expeditious in its implementation will aid in identifying teaching procedures that are helping students, as well as areas that may be improved.  Evaluations should be used to improve instruction, highlight exceptional work, and/or identify areas for improvement.  They should never be used as a punitive measure.

For More Information Contact Your UniServ Director at:

Memphis Education Association
126 Flicker Street, Memphis, TN 38104
Tel: 901-454-0966
FAX: 901-454-9979
Internet: MEAmphs@isdn.net