The Alberta Teachers’ Association

Question: I received a template for my professional growth plan from my jurisdiction. In addition to listing my goals and strategies, I’m required to complete and submit a self-assessment of my teaching. I’ve never been asked to submit a self-assessment before. Is this a new provincial mandate?

Answer: Teachers have always been asked to reflect on their practice as part of their professional growth plan development. But, the requirement to submit a self-evaluation is not consistent with government policy.

The Teacher Growth, Supervision and Evaluation Policy 2.1.5 has not changed, nor has the spirit in which the policy was developed. While ensuring that teachers (like other professionals) fulfill their obligation to grow their practice by engaging in professional development opportunities, the Teacher Growth policy supports a professional model where a teacher’s growth plan is developed upon critical self-reflection on his or her learning needs based on the Teaching Quality Standard (in section 3(b)(i)). While the Teaching Quality Standard requires that the growth plan reflect goals and objectives based on an assessment of learning needs by the teacher, there is no requirement for this self-reflection to be shared in any form with others. Indeed, this expectation may in fact compromise the self-reflection process and reduce its effectiveness.

Unfortunately, however, if you are directed to submit a self-evaluation, this would be considered a lawful order of the board and you would be compelled to complete it. Teachers should be cautious about what information is included in such self-evaluations because they could become evidence in future evaluation or employment proceedings.

The policy governing growth plans, self-reflection tools and templates that meet provincial requirements are found on the Alberta Teachers’ Association’s website.

If you have further questions regarding the growth plan process or require advice related to submitting a self-evaluation, I encourage you to contact Association staff. In Edmonton and area, call 780-447-9400. From elsewhere in Alberta, call toll free at 1-800-232-7208. ❚