Supporting Teacher Development

Debra EckermanPitton, Ph.D., has been a middle and high school language arts teacher, an elected school board member and school administrator. Currently she serves as Chair and teaches in the Education Department at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN, where she works with beginning teaches and supports mentoring and induction programs for educators.

• DedicationPrefaceChapter 1: Mentoring skills for principals - supporting teacher evaluation and developmentChapter 2: Creating an environment that supports ongoing teacher learningChapter 3:Effective communication – making sure you can be heardChapter 4: Aligning dialogue to the evaluation toolChapter 5: Questions to support teacher learningChapter 6: Gathering data during the observationChapter 7: Reflection and goal setting: Processes for problem solving and expanding learningChapter 8: Resources and practices necessary for successChapter 9: Strengthening skillsResourcesAbout the author

As a Middle School Principal, I work with teachers daily, by meeting them where they are and providing guidance and gentle pressure to further advance their expertise. Providing immediate feedback that is laser focused on student success, is key. Giving the right feedback, in a mentor/coaching role allows for reflection in a non-threatening learning culture. We are all learners. "All Students Succeed" is not about judgment on teachers. It's being honest with where we are at with our professional work and having the mindset to always strive to get better. On a continuum of continual growth, mentoring skills for principals are essential as part of every school’s learning culture. This book is a resource for principals seeking ways to support and mentor their faculty in order to facilitate increased student learning.