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OBSERVATION TEMPLATES

The Well-Rounded Teacher Observation Form

One balanced pass that covers all three areas of a lesson: instruction and delivery, the learning environment, and student engagement. It takes about 20 minutes and works for any evaluator, whether you are a principal, an instructional coach, or a peer. Broader than a quick walkthrough, lighter than a full formal evaluation, and structured so what you capture feeds straight into coaching, PD, and growth: every educator, from hired to thriving.

Digital platform access
Fully customizable
Professional design

What This Observation Form Covers

Three lenses, one balanced pass. Each section carries clear look-fors so any evaluator can capture a full picture of the lesson in about 20 minutes.

Instruction & Delivery

  • Clear learning objectives communicated to students
  • Clear and accurate content delivery
  • Strategic use of questioning techniques
  • Instruction differentiated for student needs
  • Regular checks for understanding

Learning Environment

  • Mutual respect evident between teacher and students
  • High expectations for all students are evident
  • Classroom is well-organized and learning-focused
  • Students feel safe to take intellectual risks
  • Positive student-to-student interactions

Student Engagement

  • Students actively participate in discussions
  • Students are attentive and focused on learning
  • Students take ownership of their learning
  • Students collaborate effectively with peers
  • Students engage in problem-solving processes

Template Preview

Get the printable walkthrough form pack.

Two ready-to-use forms: a 5-minute walkthrough with key indicators and glow/grow, and a write-your-own look-fors checklist. Print them, or run them digitally in EX.

We'll send the forms, then follow up with a few short tips. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Access Your Digital Template

This observation form template lives inside EX in Education, the educator experience platform, so the evidence you capture connects straight to coaching, PD, and growth instead of sitting in a drawer.

What's Included

✓ Complete Form Template

Professional observation form with all rubric sections

✓ Digital Convenience

Works on phone, tablet, or computer - no printing needed

✓ Customizable Fields

Modify sections to match your evaluation framework

✓ Connected to the Bigger Picture

Observations feed coaching, PD, and goals, not a filing cabinet

Start a Free Trial

Free to start. Bring your own evaluation framework, or start from ours.

Note About Templates

Templates are accessible through the platform after registration. This ensures you always have the latest version and can access your forms from any device.

Why Districts Connect Observations in EX in Education

Save the Write-Up, Keep the Follow-Up

No more retyping handwritten notes or losing paper forms. Complete observations on your phone or tablet, and let the evidence flow into coaching instead of a drawer.

Works on Any Device

Conduct observations on your phone, tablet, or computer. Data syncs automatically across all devices.

AI-Powered Feedback

Get suggested feedback comments based on your observations, then connect them to a teacher's goals and PD plan. Customize and personalize in seconds.

Automatic Analytics

See trends across teachers and departments. Identify professional development and coaching needs instantly.

Start a free trial

Free to start. Bring your own evaluation framework, or start from ours.

Digital observation form on mobile device

Best Practices for Using This Template

Before the Observation

  • Review the teacher's lesson plan and learning objectives
  • Pre-fill teacher and class information on the form
  • Bring multiple copies or have digital backup ready
  • Review previous observation feedback and goals

During the Observation

  • Focus on objective, factual observations rather than opinions
  • Note specific examples and evidence for each rating
  • Record time stamps for key teaching moments
  • Observe the full lesson cycle when possible

After the Observation

  • Complete the form within 24 hours while details are fresh
  • Provide specific, actionable feedback in each section
  • Schedule follow-up meeting within one week
  • File completed form in teacher's evaluation portfolio

Customization Tips

  • Add your school logo and district branding
  • Adjust rubric sections to match your evaluation framework
  • Modify rating scales to align with state requirements
  • Add subject-specific observation criteria as needed

Frequently Asked Questions

How is this different from a quick walkthrough or a formal evaluation?

Think of it as the middle option. A quick walkthrough is narrow, a 5-minute look at one focus area. A formal evaluation is heavy, scored, and tied to a full rubric and personnel timeline. This general observation form sits in between: it is broader than a walkthrough because it covers all three areas of the lesson in one pass, instruction and delivery, the learning environment, and student engagement, but it is lighter and more formative than a formal evaluation, so principals, coaches, and peers can run it often without a high-stakes process.

Is this template compatible with my state's evaluation system?

This template follows general best practices for teacher observations and can be customized for most evaluation frameworks including Danielson, Marzano, and state-specific systems. You can modify the rubric sections to match your requirements.

Can I add my school's logo and branding?

Yes! The Word version is fully editable, allowing you to add logos, change colors, modify headers, and customize the form to match your school's branding and specific needs.

How is this different from other observation forms?

Our template includes structured sections for both formal and informal observations, specific areas for evidence collection, and comprehensive feedback sections. It's designed based on feedback from practicing principals to be both thorough and practical.

What if I need help customizing the template?

The template includes instructions for customization. For more advanced customization, or to connect each observation to coaching, PD, and goals, explore EX in Education, the educator experience platform, which includes customizable forms, automatic scoring, and professional formatting.

Start Your Observation Program, Connected to the Rest

Use the free template, or run observations in EX in Education where the evidence connects to coaching, evaluations, PD, and retention. Every educator, from hired to thriving.

Bring your own observation form, or start from ours.

Need a different form?

This is the balanced, all-around observation. If you need something narrower or heavier, start here instead.

Part of EX in Education

One piece of the educator experience.

Teacher observation form templates are one part of how districts support educators. In EX in Education, they connect to the bigger picture: walkthroughs, coaching, evaluations, goals, PD, recognition, surveys, and retention. Bring your own process, or start from a template, then run it across every school so every educator moves from hired to thriving.