As building principals prepare to turn their calendar page one final time this year, it’s also fitting at this mid-year point to review the progress made on NEE’s timeline for teacher evaluation.

Much of the groundwork for any school year begins in July and August when summer training for principals is completed and beginning teacher support is provided to new teachers through EdHub. During those early months, NEE indicators are solidified and expectations for the upcoming year are shared with every teacher.  

Classroom visits start in late August and continue during September. As a reminder, these observations should always be coupled with quality feedback conversations where teacher growth is the overarching goal. Also during September, principals provide guidance on how to begin the Teacher Professional Development Plan (TPDP) if implemented in the district. In this phase, teachers complete the pre-implementation portion of the TPDP and the evaluator approves this section of the plan.

Observations carry on as fall arrives. In addition, the Unit of Instruction (UOI) process (if implemented) is reviewed with teachers in October and initiated by teachers during November.

By early December, at least three months of classroom observation data have been collected. Using this information, professional development needs may become apparent. If so, EdHub modules are available to assist principals and teachers with these individual professional learning needs.

As we approach the end of the first semester, work is left to be done before the holiday break. The NEE timeline suggests sharing the NEE Indicator Trend Report with staff members to examine up-to-the-minute building-wide performance. It also recommends teachers submit the mid-year portion of the TPDP and building principals review/complete this portion of the plan before winter break. Student survey administration (if implemented) can happen during November and December as well.

December is just the “midway” point of the year-long NEE cycle. It is important for building leaders to remember NEE supports an ongoing process of professional growth, and staying up to date with the recommended timeline is essential to boost teacher growth and student outcomes.  

If you are a building principal, ask yourself the following questions.  Have you: 

  • Completed all required NEE training?
  • Established NEE indicators for the year?
  • Discussed expectations with your staff?
  • Assisted teachers with pre-implementation of the TPDP (if implemented)?
  • Reviewed the use of the UOI process (if implemented)?
  • Collected an ample amount of observation data on established indicators?
  • Provided quality feedback following classroom observations?
  • Reached out to the NEE Help Desk for any questions or support you may have?

If the answer to each of these questions is a “yes,” you’re well on your way to a successful year using NEE. And, if you’d like support or assistance to stay on track and meet your evaluation goals this year, we encourage you to reach out to NEE at nee@missouri.edu or 844-793-4357. Our NEE Member Services team is made up of experienced school administrators who are available to support your NEE implementation. If you’re struggling to meet your goals, don’t struggle alone. We will help you create a plan to get back on track and meet your goals this year. If you need just a bit of encouragement, read our blog on Fueling Mid-Year Momentum. You’ve got this!

Benjy Fenske is a NEE trainer and field representative. He joined NEE in 2022 following a 34-year career in public education as a superintendent, principal, business teacher, and FBLA sponsor.

The Network for Educator Effectiveness (NEE) is a simple yet powerful comprehensive system for educator evaluation that helps educators grow, students learn, and schools improve. Developed by preK-12 practitioners and experts at the University of Missouri, NEE brings together classroom observation, student feedback, teacher curriculum planning, and professional development as measures of effectiveness in a secure online portal designed to promote educator growth and development.