Exploring Teachers’ Evaluation Perceptions: A Snapshot

Teacher perceptions after 5 years of implementing evaluation protocols that were initiated under Race to the Top revealed attitudes about the evaluation instrument used and the nature of their relationship with the evaluator. This study surveyed middle and high school teachers in nine Eastern Tennessee school districts. Data indicated unintended consequences as a result of their evaluations, including impacts on relationships with principals as well as the concerns with principal time needed for evaluations. Findings imply that the reformed evaluation system is not effectively providing learning opportunities for secondary teachers who had previously been judged as competent.