Video Recording and Modeling as an Educational Leader

Aisha Moore-Webb

I have not been afforded the opportunity to serve as an educational leader, yet. However, when I am given the opportunity I hope my stance on modeling lessons for teachers and recording evaluations never changes. For as long as I can remember, I have always felt that it should be required of evaluators to demonstrate what they wish to see of teachers, in real time. Plus, teachers should be required to look at, evaluate, and reflect upon their own lessons.

There is no secret that evaluations can be a point of contention between teachers and administrators. In my opinion, teachers would be more inclined to accept constructive criticism from an evaluator if they had confidence in that person’s ability to teach.  Additionally, if we agree that modeling is a wonderful and necessary instructional technique, then why would it not be used in coaching? Also, modeling allows educational leaders to remain connected to the classroom and the classroom teacher.

Now, I am the first to admit that some people are better leaders than they ever were classroom teachers and some are better teachers than leaders. As a result, there maybe those administrators who cannot necessarily deliver a prized lesson, however what this will do is bring a level of humanity and humility to the evaluation process. Now, would the aforementioned be ideal? Of course not! I think we all would like to assume our educational leaders are/were rock stars in the class. Either way, I don’t see modeling as a negative. Even if the leader isn’t the best, just the process of preparing the lesson in the way expected of teachers can be an informative part of the evaluation process.

In addition to modeling, I feel very strongly about video recording evaluative lessons. As a result, the progress of a teacher lies on both the administrator who models and the teacher who must demonstrate mastery. Recording evaluative lessons accomplishes a few things. It leaves little room for debate. If it is not on camera, it wasn’t there. It allows the teacher to experience honest self-assessment. It can open the door for authentic reflection. It can also be a tool to help others, if consented to by the teacher being recorded.

I am aware that there are legal issues when recording students, but what I suggest is that recordings never leave the school or even the access of the teacher and the evaluator. These records can even be deleted at the end of the year. I just believe that between modeling and recording, the evaluation process can be much more beneficial and can be done with less angst.