Elective teachers and teachers in specialized areas present a particular challenge to school administrators. As a principal, you will be asked to observe and evaluate elective teachers. Many times, you may be unfamiliar with the content of the teachers’ lessons. However, the pre-conference, observation, and feedback process must be conducted with fidelity.
Allocate at least 2 hours in the field to support this field experience.
Schedule and conduct one formal observation of an elective or special area teacher using the school’s formal evaluation tool. Review your teacher evaluation with your principal mentor for feedback and discuss how the evaluation process differed for the elective teacher compared to general, special education, and beginning teachers.
Use any remaining field experience hours to assist the principal mentor and, provided permission, seek opportunities to observe and/or assist the principal mentor.
