What is a teaching observation, and can my teaching be observed without notice?
The contract (Article 18) provides for a series of observations of your teaching so that you will have a record of satisfactory performance in the classroom when you are considered for reappointment and tenure. A teaching observation is also an opportunity to have a real discussion with a senior colleague about your teaching and to seek guidance in a collegial setting. Each department designates a panel of faculty members, usually senior faculty, to observe the classes of untenured and other faculty. As an untenured faculty member, you have to be observed in the classroom at least once during each semester. Your class cannot be observed without notice, and the contract requires that you be given no less than 24-hours notice prior to being observed. Usually the colleague observing your class proposes a few possible dates, and you reach agreement on the date. A conference is held after the observation, and a written report of the conference by the observer is included in your personnel f
