Appraisal Basis for Texas Teachers

Texas public school teachers are appraised yearly. Here's a quick review of what to expect and what you can do if there are problems.

All classroom teachers must be appraised on the basis of classroom teaching performance, in an area for which they hold certification if at all possible.

Teachers should be appraised every year, unless the teacher has been appraised as proficient or better in every category on the most recent appraisal. If so, the teacher and district may agree to do an appraisal less often, but at least every five years.

The teacher appraisal cannot include evaluation of extracurricular duties, although there may be a separate appraisal document covering those duties.

The appraisal may be based on classroom observation, periodic walk-throughs, and written documentation. The documentation may be gathered from any source, as long as the teacher is informed it may be used on the appraisal.

Either the teacher or the appraiser may request a pre- or post-observation conference. If you have unusual circumstances in your classroom, you should always request a pre-observation conference so that you can prepare the appraiser for what will be happening in your class.

Material for the appraisal may be gathered during the enti