How to Evaluate Special Education Teachers

Special education teachers have the patience, training and ability to work with students at risk.  These teachers dedicate their lives and careers to the success of students.  Whether they are working one-on-one with a student or instructing a classroom full of kids, special education teachers should be evaluated based on a variety of attributes.

1. Talk to the special education teacher about the evaluation.  If this is a formal evaluation, you will need to make sure you are following contract guidelines, according the agreement between the school district and the teacher’s union.


2. Let the teacher know you have heard good things about their classroom.  This positive reinforcement will help a teacher relax while being evaluated.


3. Stop by for a few minutes during the day unannounced to see how things are going.  You want to observe the teachers interactions with students when they do not know about the evaluation.  It is not a trick or a way to catch a teacher doing something wrong; you want a full understanding of the teacher’s day.


4. Provide positive written feedback about what you observed, even if it was only for a few minutes.  Again, this positive reinforcement will help a teacher relax.


5. Meet with the special education teacher a few days before the formal evaluation.  This meeting should take place in the teacher’s classroom or in your office.


6. Ask the teacher what areas to observe and evaluate and any advice for improvement.  


7. Arrive to the teacher’s classroom at the scheduled time.  Only under emergency situations should you cancel or reschedule this observation without letting the teacher know in advance.


8. Take a seat in the back of the classroom or somewhere that you can observe without interfering in the class.


9. Write down positive things that the teacher does with students and with the lesson.  Also, make notes of anything you think the teacher could do to improve instruction.


10. Meet with the teacher within the next 5 days to discuss the evaluation. 


11. Talk with the teacher about the interaction observed with the students, the classroom appearance and the instruction.  Make comments that can help improve the teacher’s performance.


12. Provide a typed or written copy of the evaluation.  This should include the date and time of the evaluation, what you observed and the successes and or improvements needed.  This written copy is a way to make sure the teacher understands what you expect as well as document the evaluation.