I asked the above question at a consultation meeting between the union and the administration. The Principal seemed to think it was the way to tell which teachers were working and which teachers weren't. I disagreed then and I disagree now.
Admins should walk around and see what is going on, but, they can see this from the hallways. After all, all the rooms have windows for them to look through. And, if there is a problem, or something going on that doesn't look right, they should make an appearance. A good administrator should be able to tell what is going on without resorting to the grand entrance with the electronic gadget in hand, unless of course, the goal is to make the teacher uncomfortable. In that case, the administrator has been successful. In addition, if visits occur often, why is this one day so necessary?
It is rough being a teacher. No one likes being observed, ever but everyone knows it is a necessary part of the job. I just can't understand what is accomplished when these observations are done on the most difficult days of the term. What happened to compassion and heart?
