Peer Observation of Teaching

Dear Colleagues,

I wanted to make you aware of an opportunity for you to become a Certified Peer Observer at this year’s CAFE Winter Conference. All individuals who wish to function as Peer Observers must attend this session, even those who have already undergone training in previous years. Below are some details about the Peer Observation program and the Observer role. More information can be found on the CAFE website.

What is it?

The Peer observation program at UMKC is a formative process designed to promote teaching development by creating a collaborative partnership between the observed faculty member (the Observee) and a trained Observer.
The Observer and Observee work together in this process, which allows the Observee to take responsibility for their development.
This program includes guided self-reflection questions and focused conversations between the trained Observer and Observee.
The Observee owns any feedback generated in this program.
This program is modeled after the Cycle of Peer Observation discussed in O’Leary, M. (2020). Classroom observation: A guide to the effective observation of teaching and learning.

Notes About the Process

Participation in the Peer Observation program is voluntary.
Peer Observation is a formative process. The goal is to improve teaching and learning in our classrooms.
The Observee drives the process and controls how much conversation occurs between the Observer and the Observee around the observation experience.
The Observee owns all of the documents generated during this process. Only the Observee can choose to share information from the Peer Evaluation Process

Why Choose to Become a Peer Observer

Improve student learning in your courses as well as in other disciplines.
Enhance collaboration between faculty members in different departments, schools, and campuses.
Participation in the program can be included in Annual Evaluations and Promotion and Tenure applications. CAFE will provide a letter verifying certification as a Peer Observer and participation in the Peer Observation Process.

We are currently accepting applications for the role of Trained Observer. Applications to be an Observer are due on January 6, 2025, by 5:00 PM. It is a short application and should not take too long to complete. Here is a direct link to apply: Application Link.

Please contact me (turlak@umkc.edu) if you have any questions. Thank you in advance for your interest in this exciting program. We hope to have Trained Observers from many different disciplines on our campus.

Sincerely,

Karyn Turla