For over two decades, the University of Washington Center for Educational Leadership (CEL) has partnered with educational leaders across the country who are observing teaching and learning in classrooms. We see time and again that effective classroom observations can profoundly impact teaching practices and student outcomes.
Below are five tips to help school leaders prepare for meaningful and impactful observations.
1. Lead with an Inquiry Stance
Approach observations with curiosity and an open mind. Asking authentic, thoughtful questions can help you better understand the teacher’s intentions behind the lesson. Before observing, create an opportunity for teachers to provide context about what they are working on in their practice, such as the purpose, the strategies they plan to use, and any challenges they anticipate. Related to this, creating observation look-fors with the teacher should guide your observation and targeted feedback. This collaborative approach fosters trust and ensures that observations are grounded in a shared understanding of teaching and learning goals. Then, while you are observing, practice maintaining that curious, inquiring stance.
2. Create a Narrow Focus for the Observation
Narrowing your focus allows for deeper insight into specific aspects of teaching and learning. By honing in on one element, you can provide targeted and actionable feedback that aligns with a vision for effective teaching and a teacher’s goals and focus. For instance, you might agree with a teacher to look for evidence of students taking risks in their thinking. As you observe, ask yourself:
- What does risk-taking look like in this context?
- What evidence is there of students beginning to take risks with each other and in their learning?
- How does the teacher create an environment where students feel safe to take risks?
3. Connect the Focus to a Vision for Student Experience
Observations should be tied to a larger vision for what students should experience in your schools. Students have repeatedly shared that they want to feel happy, proud, and a sense of connection at school. Reflect on your district’s vision for student experience:
- How do educators at every level foster joy, pride, and connection for students?
- How are students and teachers in this classroom working toward the shared vision?
4. Choose Focus Students
Narrow your observation lens to students who are furthest from success at school. By focusing on these students, you can gain unique insights into how teaching practices impact those who often face the greatest barriers to success. Ask yourself:
- Are these students engaged and participating?
- What is their experience with their peers and the teacher?
- What are some things students saying and doing? Are there moments of success I can highlight?
This approach enables you to provide teachers with feedback that can drive more impactful outcomes for all students.
5. Observe All Elements of the Instructional Core
While keeping your narrow focus in mind, it is also important to go beyond observing teacher actions and the task at hand only. Focusing on the entire instructional core, outlined by Richard Elmore, ensures that your observations capture a complete picture of the learning environment. Consider the interplay between the teacher, the task, and student agency. Specifically:
How are students engaging with the task? What is the nature and complexity of that task?
What choices are students making in their learning?
Are students demonstrating autonomy and ownership of their work?
Learn More About the Instructional Leadership Academy
At CEL, we believe that classroom observations are a powerful tool for improving student experiences and outcomes. Our Instructional Leadership Academy equips school leaders with the tools and strategies needed to:
- Discuss instruction using qualitative evidence, ensuring feedback is rooted in actual student experiences.
- Provide strengths-based feedback that supports teacher growth and improves instructional practice.
- Uncover persistent barriers to student learning by closely observing classroom instruction.
Ready to deepen your impact as an educational leader? Discover how CEL can partner with leaders in your school system to improve instructional leadership that impacts what happens for students each and everyday.
