Additionally, our teachers affirm and recognize each other by passing around “Woody Bear,” a large stuffed bear that resembles our school mascot, to recognize peers who are effective in reaching students, instructing in an innovative manner, or who have gone above and be- yond in terms of collaborating to improve instruction throughout the building.

3. Create a Working Framework to Enhance Teamwork

After a Faculty Share meeting, the principal should facilitate a discussion of the benefits of seeing colleagues in action. Without fail, positive feedback will be generated and we generally discuss how we wish we had more time. We have teachers create a “Wish List” using the following exit slip form that indicates two items for teachers to indicate: 1) Something they’d like to “see” and; 2) Something they’d like to “share.” Items may include an instructional practice, an effective transition, a classroom management strat- egy, or other helpful concept or strategy.

Here again, the role of technology enhances this teamwork to help expand one’s working perspective. The use of collaborative web-based tools such as “Wiki-spaces,” “Google-Docs,” and other “online 2.0 tools” allow for ubiquitous sharing and reflection as well as ongoing discussion. These tools enrich peer observation dialogue in terms of a descriptive menu of instructional strategies and tips to share, allows for feedback, strengthens accountability and efficiency, and provides a workable format for the observations structure (See Table I).

Position Name What I’d like to See

What I’d like to Share

K teacher

Teresa Lincoln

Reading Assessments being administered when a student has to be taken back to a previous level

First grade Marta Wing

Administration of PALs to a student when that students has to be taken back to a lower level and a technology lesson

Second grade Terry Heck Third grade

writing workshop, guided reading, Math differentiation

Julio Manuel Morning Meetings, Word Study ….procedures, day to day

Classroom visited/

Date of Completion/ Feedback Given?

lit groups/work stations X- Ms. Smythie- 09/16- yes

Classroom management strategies.

writing workshop (would love feedback)

Math grouping for differentiation; four square writing method

TABLE I: Peer Observation Menu

Virginia Educational Leadership Vol. 7 No. 1 Spring 2010 68

X- Ms. First- 09/22/- yes