We often think of evaluations as those dreaded assessments at the end of a teaching term. How well did the teacher do? Should the teacher be asked to continue?
In addition to the following thoughts about using evaluations, the Teacher Training Module which is included in the Christian Education Files, suggests what can be done to take some of the dread out of this means of training.
Why Use Teacher Evaluations
While planned evaluations are a good tool to provide ministry leaders and/or teachers with a place to terminate one’s teaching, they can also be beneficial for keeping teachers accountable. Beyond that, evaluations can be used in the teacher training process.
Sometimes self-evaluations between the teacher and the Lord can be appropriate rather than discussed with leadership. If you do this, include a place on the form for teachers to think through steps for improvement. Self-assessment challenges them to reflect on their teaching without the threat of exposure which can lead to defensiveness.