The new evaluations have been criticized by Tennessee educators and union groups as too time consuming, particularly the number of observations teachers have to receive.
Despite the concerns, Education Commissioner Kevin Huffman said he doesn’t want districts to ban student teachers.
“My message … is Tennessee has great data,” said Huffman, adding that the number of teacher observations has been reduced. “We should look at the data to see whether classrooms that have student teachers are doing the same, better, or worse.”
Rutherford and Wilson County school officials said they have no student teacher changes this school year. June Keel, assistant superintendent for human resources for Metro Nashville Public Schools, said she’s discussed the issue, but it’s unlikely anything will change this year.
“There is so much riding on students’ progress, I can understand the concern,” Keel said. “For the teacher, it’s a question of giving up that learning to student teachers.”
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