Observations

Supervisors are required to observe all teach­ers during classroom instruction periods and to write a report with an “S” (satisfactory) or “U” (unsatisfactory) rating for each observation.

For a description of the types of observations, click here

For the suggested minimum number of observations, click here 

New teachers are generally observed a few times a year, although they may be observed more often; some visits may be unannounced. Supervisors who are eager to support new teachersuse these observations as opportunities to encour­age learning, reflection and dialogue; less enlight­ened supervisors may use them to look for defi­ciencies. For the definition of formal and informal observations, click here. Informal observations specifics, click here.

Some tips:

·  Supervisors must give you advance notice of a formal observation. If for any reason you believe this will not be a good day or time, speak up and try to make a different appoint­ment.

·  In writing, request a pre-observation confer­ence so that you can clarify what the supervisor will be looking for when he or she comes into your classroom. At the conference you can raise questions or concerns prior to the obser­vation and, if needed, ask your supervisor for advice. (Sample letter requesting pre-observation, click here)

·  Supervisors usually will discuss their observa­tions with you at a post-observation confer­ence.

·  Use the post-observation conference as an opportunity to learn, to fully understand how your supervisor has evaluated your teaching and, if necessary, discuss ways that you can improve.

·  If you disagree with your supervisor’s evalua­tion, feel free to discuss this with her or him.

·  If you get a “U” rating on an observation report, consult your UFT chapter leader imme­diately about your contractual rights and get professional advice from your Teacher Center staff, a coach or your mentor.

·  In the rare instance that you believe a supervi­sor is harassing you with excessive observa­tions, talk with your chapter leader about the process outlined in our contract to deal with this.

Lesson Plans

For many years, supervisors collected lesson plans en masse and dictated a strict format, but that is no longer permitted under the teachers’ contract as a result of contract changes in the 1990s.

As the educator responsible for providing classroom instruction to your students, you are responsible for developing lesson plans and can determine their format, organization, notation and content.

Your supervisor may suggest, but cannot require or insist upon, a particular format unless you have received, or are about to receive, a “U” rating. Your supervisor may enter your classroom and ask to see your lesson plan, at any time, but cannot collect them on a regular basis.

If you need help perfecting your lesson plans, you should contact your mentor (if you have one); math or literacy coach or lead teacher (if your school has them); or the UFT Teacher Center (1-212-598-9500). Click here for Special Circular #28

Ratings

Special Circular #45, click here

Rating Pedagogical Staff Members, click here

Performance Review & Professional Development,  Memomorandum #80, click here

By-Laws of the Panel for Educational Policy, click here