Governor Phil Murphy • Lt. Governor Tahesha Way

Teacher Practice

Teacher practice is measured by performance on a teacher practice evaluation instrument, which is used to gather evidence primarily through classroom observations. Districts have the flexibility to choose from a growing list state-approved instruments.

Observation Requirements

Tenured Teachers
  • Two required observations each school year.
  • Each observation must be at least 20 minutes.
  • Commissioner-approved activity observation option for highly effective teachers.
Non-Tenured Teachers
  • Three required observations each school year.
  • Each observation must be at least 20 minutes.

Teachers who end the school year with an Ineffective or Partially Effective rating are required to have an additional observation the following year as part of their corrective action plan.

Observation Details

Announced vs. Unannounced
Within the minimum requirements, all teachers must have at least one unannounced and one announced observation with a pre-conference.
Leave of Absences
  • Non-tenured teachers present for less than 40% total school days in an academic year must have a minimum of two observations.
  • Tenured teachers must have two observations, regardless of time absent.
Post-conferences
Post-conferences between teachers and their supervisors are required following each observation. These conferences must all be face-to-face for non-tenured teachers and at least one must be face-to-face for tenured teachers within 15 teaching staff member working days.

All observers must:

  • Be trained on the instrument before observing for the purpose of evaluation.
  • Participate in at least two co-observations.
  • Participate in annual refresher training. 

Superintendents or chief school administrators (CSAs) must certify each year that all observers have been trained.

Options for Highly Effective Educators

A tenured teacher who was rated highly effective on their most recent summative evaluation may use a Commissioner-approved Reflective Practice Protocol activity for one of their required observations.

Teacher Practice Evaluation Instruments

  • 5D+ Teacher Evaluation Rubric
  • Charlotte Danielson: The Framework for Teaching Learning Sciences International (2007 Edition)
  • Charlotte Danielson: The Framework for Teaching (2011, 2013 and 2022 Edition)
  • Charlotte Danielson: The Framework for Teaching Instructionally Focused Edition (2013)
  • Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS)
  • Classroom Strategies Scale Model
  • Focal Point Teaching Practice Model
  • IMPACT: The District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) Effectiveness Assessment System for School-Based Personnel
  • H.E.A.T./Danielson Teacher Evaluation Instrument
  • Insight Core Framework
  • Kenilworth Teacher Evaluation Instrument
  • Lenape Regional Teacher Evaluation Instrument
  • Marzano’s Causal Teacher Evaluation Model
  • Mid-Continent Research for Education and Learning (McREL) Teacher Evaluation Standards
  • North Star Academy Teacher Evaluation Rubric
  • Pearson Framework for the Observation of Effective Teaching
  • Rhode Island Model: Teacher Evaluation and Support System (Edition II)
  • Stronge Teacher and Leader Effectiveness Performance System
  • Teacher Evaluation and Improvement Instrument
  • The College-Ready Promise Teaching Framework (CRPTF)
  • The Marshall Rubrics
  • The Newark Public Schools
  • The New Jersey LoTi Teacher Evaluation
  • The Smart Start Teach Elite Evaluation System
  • The Thoughtful Classroom Teacher Effectiveness Framework

    Note: This list is not inclusive of thirteen districts with approved evaluation instruments. Those districts asked that their evaluation instruments not be published.

    The approved instrument list will only include instruments that have met the technical requirements for use in New Jersey. Any district that will be purchasing instruments is required to follow public bidding laws and regulations in acquiring an evaluation instrument and should consult with their Business Administrator (BA) for guidance. If the BA needs additional support, he or she should contact the appropriate county office of education.

    The instruments on the approved list will not have contracts with the state. Districts must develop their own contracts. Additionally, local districts must ensure that they have the supports in place to meet the implementation requirements of the evaluation instrument, such as teacher and administrator training or proof of mastery.

    Adding or Modifying Observation Instruments

    The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) has developed an application to submit a new observation instrument for approval or to modify an approved instrument. Email the NJDOE at edueval@doe.nj.gov for either application.

    • Districts can use a streamlined Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to submit modifications to previously approved educator practice instruments.
    • Districts can submit a full RFQ to obtain approval for a new evaluation instrument.

    Both RFQ applications are due by August 1, prior to the beginning of the school year the district plans to implement the observation instrument. The NJDOE will notify the district of approval within thirty days of their application submission.

    Page Last Updated: 12/19/2024