Composing Creative Nonfiction to Illuminate Three Teachers' Perceptions of Principal Walk-Throughs

• In Event: Creative Narrative Expressions During COVID-19

Abstract

Principal walk-throughs are an emerging form of teacher evaluations. Compared to structured formal observations where teachers are aware that the principal will be visiting the classroom, walk-throughs bring an element of surprise as principals enter the classroom for short, unannounced observations. This study explored teachers’ perceptions of principal walk-throughs in order to gain a better understanding of how teachers perceive the legitimacy of this evaluation method. A series of narrative conversations were conducted with three experienced teachers. The composition of creative nonfiction was used to illustrate how teachers’ sense of identity as well as their relationship to their principal are important factors that contribute to the perceived legitimacy and utility of the walk-through evaluation method.

Authors

• Danielle Courtemanche, Fairfield University
  Presenting Author

• Aaron S. Zimmerman, University of Colorado - Boulder
  Presenting Author