Peer Visits work when colleagues respectfully acknowledge there are diverse approaches to teaching, and feedback promotes critical reflection on our practice and addresses strategies for improvement. Training, tools and resources will be provided for all LFCS Peer Visit participants.
Why Peer Visits?
The 2020-21 Teacher Development & Evaluation Committee helped develop this Peer Visit Program. When asked to reflect on the purpose of the Peer Visit Program the TDE committee developed the following two statements.
Allowing professionals to be vulnerable with colleagues encourages a culture of reflection and growth.
Collaborating with trained and respected peers provides opportunities for growth through meaningful feedback.
In addition:
It is best practice.
Peer Visits enhances a climate of trust and collegiality.
Peer Visits meet the requirements for MN state statute 122A.40.
Who is doing Peer Visits?
All teachers that are not in the LFCS Mentor Program will participate in the Peer Visit Program.
What can a Peer Visit look like?
Not all visits look the same
Teachers can visit another teacher's learning environment (in person, video conference, phone call, etc.) in their building, district, a neighboring district or even in the Modern Teacher network.
A colleague from the teacher's building, district, a neighboring district or even in the Modern Teacher network can visit another learning environment (in person, video conference, phone call, etc.)
Students do not need to be present for a Peer Visit
The Peer Visit is a collaborative work session to work on an identified outcome.
When will Peer Visits happen?
Teachers complete two Peer Visits each school year, and can be conducted before or after school, at a mutually agreeable time between both parties, during prep time, during instructional time, or asynchronously using vidoes, documents, etc.