Peer Observation
Third-Party Feedback With First-Hand Knowledge
Peer Observation is the component of LEAP that provides teachers with the opportunity to engage in reflective conversations and receive honest, open feedback with a peer or colleague who has similar teaching experience.
The Peer Observer role is a new position to DPS but one that has been used effectively in school districts across the country for a number of years. Peer Observers are fellow teachers who have been hired specifically for this role because they are recognized for their experience and expertise in content, classroom instruction, student achievement, and best practices.
Peer Observers will be matched as closely as possible to the content or grade level of the teacher they are observing so they can provide feedback and support that is specific and relevant. Peer Observers will provide a third-party, outside perspective combined with first hand experience with the realities of teaching.
In Relation to Principal Observation
- Principals and Peer Observers will both use the DPS Framework for Effective Teaching when gathering observation data and will also use the same feedback protocol to ensure consistency.
- Both the principal and peer observations will provide targeted feedback about how teachers are performing against the standards in the Framework for Effective Teaching and will help promote teacher growth and development.
- Peer observation is not in isolation from observations done with the principal, but simply adds data points upon which the principal and teacher can review to make decisions about next steps with practice.
- Peer observation allows for more opportunities for teachers to receive feedback.
View individual biographies on each of the Peer Observers.