What do you do if your school's performance evaluation is hindering a supportive and collaborative culture?

3 Support Growth

Shift the focus from purely evaluative to developmental. Encourage professional development opportunities that allow teachers to learn from each other. This might involve peer observations, mentoring programs, or collaborative workshops. When teachers see performance evaluations as a pathway to growth rather than a punitive measure, it can reduce competition and promote a more supportive atmosphere where educators work together to improve their practice.

4 Modify Incentives

Review the incentives linked to performance evaluations. If rewards are based solely on individual achievements, they can inadvertently discourage teamwork. Introduce incentives that recognize collaborative efforts and group accomplishments. This can help shift the focus from competing for personal gain to working together for collective success, thereby fostering a more supportive school culture.

5 Lead by Example

Leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping school culture. Demonstrate the value of collaboration by being transparent about performance evaluation outcomes and how they are used to support staff. When leaders actively participate in the same growth-focused activities they expect from their teachers, it sends a powerful message about the importance of working together and supporting one another.

6 Continuous Review

Finally, ensure that the performance evaluation system is not static but subject to regular review. As your school evolves, so too should your evaluation methods. By continuously assessing and refining the process, you can ensure that it remains aligned with the goal of fostering a supportive and collaborative environment. This ongoing review process also keeps the conversation open, allowing for adjustments in response to feedback from educators.