Strong teacher evaluation systems can help improve teachers’ practice, identify and uplift highly effective teachers, remove ineffective teachers from the classroom, and enhance the overall quality of the workforce.
How Strong Teacher Evaluation Systems Strengthen Teacher Quality
When implemented effectively, teacher evaluation systems are helpful tools for strengthening the teacher workforce and improving student outcomes. A well-designed system does more than simply rate teachers; it recognizes excellence, supports professional growth through regular feedback, and ensures all students have access to high-quality instruction.
A robust teacher evaluation system incorporates multiple measures of teacher performance, carefully approaches observations and feedback, directs teachers to customized professional learning, and attaches meaningful stakes to ratings, such as performance pay. Evaluation systems with these components are worth the investment. By supporting teachers’ growth and celebrating excellence, these systems help create schools where teachers and students thrive.
Latest Findings
State of the States: Teacher and Principal Evaluation Policies
Effective teacher and principal evaluation systems do more than assess performance—they help educators improve, identify excellence, and strengthen the workforce. Our analysis of evaluation policies across all 50 states and D.C. examines how states design and implement these systems to support educator growth and student success.
What makes teacher evaluation systems effective at improving instruction and student outcomes? How can states support high-quality implementation that provides meaningful feedback, recognizes excellence, and fosters professional growth?
Explore NCTQ’s research on evaluation systems that work.
