53+ Sample Teacher Evaluation Forms

What Is a Teacher Evaluation Form?

A teacher evaluation form is a form used to evaluate a teacher’s performance in the classroom. It covers several aspects of a teacher’s classroom duties; and normally uses a standard criteria as a basis for grading.  

According to a post published by UNICEF, teachers are bearing the brunt of online and remote learning caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic. The world has had to shift and adapt to digital solutions, with education one of the most impacted sectors of all. Children’s lives were upended due to the health crisis and many schools have, or are still struggling to adapt to the changes. The article urges all education stakeholders to help address the problems faced by teachers, who are carrying much of the burden. Teachers, more than ever, need the necessary support, training, preparation, and tools to tackle this new phase of virtual education.    

Who Can Rate a Teacher?

Administrator/Principal: The principal or president of the school may conduct a teacher evaluation on a regular basis; or designate someone to assess a teacher’s classroom performance. A school administrator is responsible for all the teachers; therefore, they should be aware of the situation on the ground, or in this case, the classrooms. Student: Since it is the students that spend the most time with the teacher in the classroom, they are in an ideal position to evaluate. Oftentimes, students are asked to rate the teacher’s performance at the end of a term or semester. Colleagues: Sometimes, teachers may be graded by their fellow faculty. This is called peer-to-peer evaluation. A teacher may evaluate another teacher from the same department or from a different course or department. Department Head or Area Coordinator: Especially in high school and university, instructors and professors who teach specific courses may be subject to evaluation from an overall department head or a subject area coordinator.

Other Ways to Evaluate a Teacher

Before heading into the usual method of rating a teacher’s performance through standard rubric or via a grading system, there are also other ways to complement the method:   

Classroom Observation: This may also be referred to as a sit-in session. The evaluator may join a class, either unannounced or scheduled, and personally observe the teacher while they teach. Peer Feedback: A teacher can also get constructive criticism or general feedback from other teachers, who may or may not teach the same subject. It’s beneficial for a teacher when the education community shares best practices where they all help each other improve. Parent Feedback: Most schools hold parent-teacher meetings or conferences. When the child is not in school, parents are likely to observe and be aware of the child’s assignments or school standing. Parents themselves can be a source of important feedback. The exchange of information between parent and teacher can provide powerful insight into the student’s school life.

Areas of Assessment in a Teacher Evaluation Form 

A teacher evaluation form can contain several aspects. It is usually divided into categories. Each category then lists specific instances or describes a situation. Each item is then assigned a rating. The following are some major areas in the assessment of a teacher’s performance:   

Planning and Preparation: All teachers are required to prepare lesson plans and classroom modules. They map out their course sometimes monthly, quarterly, or annually. Planning and preparing for a class on a day-to-day basis is hard work for any teacher. It’s important then to note if the teacher comes prepared for class. How organized are the lessons and course syllabus? A teacher’s course material and assignments should be well put together.  Instruction and Technique: The teacher should be able to demonstrate mastery of the subject and display proficient knowledge of the lessons. Does the teacher make use of a variety of resources in his or her lectures? Maybe an English teacher uses visual aids, as well as audio, in her instruction material. How a lesson is demonstrated and presented to students is crucial. Students learn in a variety of ways and it’s up to the teacher to use different and effective ways to guide students in asking the important questions and in thinking for themselves. Classroom Management: Is the classroom climate conducive to learning? Are the students noticeably engaged? Are they asking and answering questions? Does the teacher sufficiently answer their questions? Or perhaps the lectures are almost always one-dimensional, with only the teacher sharing the ideas. Maybe the classroom environment is lively and enriching. A teacher could be hands-on in her approach and could constantly be asking the students to participate in the discussion. Classroom management plans also pertains to how well the teacher manages the time. Is the teacher punctual or do classes start and end late? The teacher should also keep to the lesson plan schedule and be mindful of the pacing of the lessons. Relationship with Students: Does the teacher command attention? Is their teaching style engaging? One way to measure this is to observe if there is sufficient participation among the pupils. Does the class seem interested in the lesson of the day or are they clearly preoccupied with something else? Does the teacher go out of her way to help struggling students? Does she give a sense of support for all students? A teacher should not only command respect, but treat her students with respect as well. Attitude: This pertains to the overall characteristics of the teacher. It may include appearance, posture, language, clarity, communication skill, and energy. Is the teacher enthusiastic or dull when she delivers the lesson? A teacher should use language that promotes clear and effective communication. To stand in front of students, teachers need to present themselves appropriately and carry themselves professionally.

Parts of a Teacher Evaluation Form 

The format of a teacher evaluation form would depend on the school or administration. This can be long or short, generic or course-specific. However, there are basic parts of an evaluation form that should be present. 

Basic Information: This includes the date, name of the teacher, name of the evaluator, and the subject or course title. If applicable, you may also want to include the section name, class size, and length of visit (for sit-down sessions). A teacher evaluation can also be done anonymously. In some cases, it is not required to place the student or evaluator’s name. Evaluation Scale: Provide a legend at the start of the evaluation, along with brief instructions for how to rate. The evaluation scale is typically ranked in numbers (1 to 5, with 5 being the highest rating); or with criteria ranging from excellent, satisfactory, needs improvement, to unsatisfactory. Provide a short description for each rating. The layout can be in table format with the items and descriptions on the left, and the rating column on the right. Assessment Items: It is vital that you divide the areas into categories (see areas of assessment above) and break it down one by one while specifying each. Make sure each category is organized and the items are described well, in a way that it is easy for the evaluator to follow. It is important for the evaluator to see consistent flow in the form. Strengths: What are the commendable traits of the teacher? List down his or her strengths. Positive reinforcement is good because it encourages the teacher. Maybe a teacher’s medium of instruction is barely satisfactory, but it can clearly be observed that her students respect and admire her. Maybe a teacher discusses her lessons in an innovative, creative, or original way, about an otherwise mundane topic. Perhaps a teacher is well-loved by the class because she can effectively apply the lessons to current events or connect it to a relevant issue; in such a way that it helps the class grasp the ideas better. Suggestions for Improvement: Provide constructive criticism to help the teacher improve, not to humiliate or demean him or her. Objectivity is key when providing suggestions or recommendations for improvement. Make sure to take into account actual classroom observations and real feedback from the students. Remarks and Other Comments: Note down any other observations that stand out about the teacher, the pupils, the classroom, learning material, etc.

How to Create a Teacher Evaluation Form

Creating a teacher evaluation form requires keen attention to detail. With the ideas presented above, you can now begin customizing your form. Keep these important steps in mind:  

Step 1: Finalize the Format

When creating your evaluation form, choose a layout that will best enable the evaluator or student to grade effectively. Feel free to create a table or a survey-type layout, depending on your objectives and needs. Be sure to aim for clarity and simplicity when providing instructions.  

Step 2: Decide on the Criteria

A teacher’s classroom performance needs to be quantified and measured. Evaluation forms are one way to determine how effective a teacher is. Decide on your chosen rubric, whether that be in numerals, checkboxes or descriptions.   

Step 3: Fill in Item Descriptions

Using the tips above as a guide, list each item under every category accordingly. Each category may contain several descriptions. Make sure to number these properly. For instance, under the category of ‘Relationship to Students’, be straightforward and indicate the instances where this might be observed. It’s best to state it clearly and declaratively like, ‘The teacher encourages class participation and respects students’ opinions’. Another example would be, ‘The professor communicates effectively and has a firm grip on language and fluency’, under the category of ‘Attitude’.     

Step 4: Add Extra Sections

Leave adequate space for evaluators to note down their own personal views and comments. You can add other sections like suggestions for improvement, or teacher’s strengths and weaknesses.    

FAQs

What is the purpose of a teacher evaluation form?

A teacher evaluation form is important in measuring a teacher’s effectiveness in the classroom, and how well or poorly the teacher relates to the students. In this way, administrators, parents and even the students themselves can be sure that they are learning something valuable, and are receiving quality education. Teacher evaluation forms are systematically put in place in order to promote constant improvement and aid better learning.

What should teachers be evaluated on?

Teachers should be evaluated on their knowledge and mastery of a subject, in the preparation and execution of their lesson plan, and in their classroom management and day-to-day lessons. How a teacher relates to and engages his or her students is also an important point to evaluate. Lastly, the teacher’s ability to help the students learn in a relevant and impactful way should also be reviewed and evaluated.

Which is the best method of teacher evaluation?

The best way to find out if a teacher is effective in the classroom is by employing a combination of objective assessment (using standard evaluation forms), regular classroom observations, and genuine student feedback. The student’s views and opinions are critical because they are at the receiving end of the teacher’s instruction; and it is ultimately their education and learning that is on the line. The impact a teacher has on a student should be justly taken into consideration.

Can teacher evaluation improve teaching?

Yes, in some ways. Improvement in a teacher’s classroom instruction is one of the main smart goals of teacher evaluations. The reason behind evaluating a teacher’s performance in the classroom is to not only help the teacher gain an understanding and awareness of  his abilities and impact, but to help him work on areas that need improvement.

Regardless if a teacher is a first-time instructor, teaching assistant, probationary lecturer, regular faculty, or a substitute teacher, the potential impact they have on young students can sometimes go beyond ordinary comprehension. When Jack Black, in the film ‘School of Rock’, falsely assumed the identity of a substitute teacher, he could not have known the impact he was about to create on his unknowing and passionate students. Browse through the editable templates above and start making a teacher evaluation form now!