The Missed Opportunity: When Evaluations Don’t Lead to Coaching

Teacher evaluations consume significant time, energy, and resources. Administrators dedicate hours to classroom observations, documentation, and meetings—all in the name of improving instruction. But too often, the process ends with a score or a generic comment instead of a clear, actionable coaching plan.

When evaluations stop at the “score,” they miss their true purpose: driving professional growth. Teachers leave the conversation without knowing exactly what to keep doing, what to adjust, and how to improve. This not only diminishes the value of the evaluation but also erodes trust in the system.

Closing the gap between evaluation and coaching starts with the type of evidence we collect. That’s where the New Jersey DOE-approved  LoTi® Teacher Evaluation with Evidence-First™ scoring changes the game. Instead of relying on broad rubric interpretations, evaluators select from clear, observable evidence markers tied directly to instructional practices.

This evidence becomes the foundation for targeted coaching conversations—turning a single observation into a clear set of next steps. When that happens, evaluations stop being a compliance exercise and start serving as a catalyst for growth.

When evaluations lead directly to coaching:

• Teachers know exactly where to focus—A teacher who receives evidence that students are listening attentively but rarely asking questions can work on strategies to encourage more student inquiry.

• Professional growth becomes measurable—Over several observations, a teacher aiming to improve small-group instruction can progress from teacher-led groups to more student-led discussions.

• Student learning benefits—Targeted coaching on formative assessment techniques can help a teacher adjust instruction in real time, leading to higher engagement and stronger mastery of the material.

The New Jersey DOE-approved LoTi Teacher Evaluation with Evidence-First scoring ensures every evaluation ends with a clear “what’s next,” transforming the process from a missed opportunity into a meaningful step forward for teacher development and student success. Join us for an Evidence-First Q&A Session to learn more about increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of teacher evaluation in your district.