This is the fast, low-stakes walkthrough, not a full evaluation. Pick one lens for the visit - instruction, learning environment, or student activity - and capture it in about five minutes on any device. Then let the evidence feed the bigger picture: every educator, from hired to thriving.
Complete a walkthrough observation form in 3-5 minutes, then keep the evidence connected to coaching, goals, and follow-up.
Pre-selected the most important teaching elements. No overwhelming checklists or unnecessary sections.
Use multiple quick classroom walkthroughs to see trends across classrooms, then connect the next step to coaching, PD, or support.
A quick, informal format keeps the focus on feedback and growth, the same thread that runs through coaching and retention in EX in Education.
Sample form preview
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.
Each of these is a 5 to 10 minute, single-focus walkthrough. Choose the lens that fits the visit, capture it fast, then reshape any form inside EX in Education to match your district's look-fors.
One lens on teaching practices and instructional delivery, captured in a few minutes.
One lens on classroom culture and the conditions that make learning possible.
One lens on student engagement and the learning behaviors you can actually see.
5-10 minutes maximum. Longer visits change the dynamic and become formal observations.
Multiple short visits provide better insights than infrequent long observations.
Look for evidence of student learning and engagement rather than perfect lesson execution.
Complete the form within an hour. Details fade quickly and lose value.
Brief conversation within 24 hours. Share a positive observation or ask a question.
Use data from multiple walkthroughs to identify trends and professional development needs.
Avoid disrupting instruction. If you need to speak with the teacher, wait for a natural break.
A single walkthrough doesn't represent overall teaching quality. Look at patterns over time.
Focus on individual growth rather than comparing one teacher's walkthrough to another's.
Too many walkthroughs can create anxiety. Find the right frequency for your school culture.
Silent walkthroughs create anxiety. Always follow up with positive observation or question.
Walkthroughs are for growth and support, not formal evaluation ratings.
No need to carry clipboards or remember to bring forms. Complete walkthroughs on your phone instantly.
See trends across classrooms, teachers, and time periods. Identify professional development needs instantly.
No retyping notes, no filing papers, no searching for forms. The evidence flows straight into coaching, PD, and growth instead of a drawer.
Send positive feedback immediately via email or share anonymized data with instructional coaches.
Free to start. Bring your own look-fors, or start from ours.
Mobile walkthrough interface
Reach for a quick, single-focus walkthrough when you want a fast, low-stakes read on one lens - instruction, learning environment, or student activity - in about 5 to 10 minutes, and you plan to visit often. Use a full observation when you need the formal, comprehensive, scored evaluation of record. Many leaders run frequent walkthroughs all year, then a smaller number of full observations at set points. If you want a balanced general pass across all areas in one visit, see the teacher observation form linked below.
Most principals aim for 5-10 walkthroughs per week, visiting each teacher 2-3 times per teacher per month. The key is consistency rather than frequency. It's better to do fewer walkthroughs regularly than many sporadically.
Unannounced walkthroughs provide more authentic classroom glimpses, but some schools prefer announced visits to reduce teacher anxiety. Choose the approach that fits your school culture and goals.
Walkthroughs are for growth and support, not evaluation. If you see something concerning, address it through a separate conversation or formal observation process. Don't let walkthroughs become evaluative.
Start with clear communication about purpose, focus on growth rather than evaluation, always follow up with positive feedback, and be consistent in your approach. Teachers' anxiety typically decreases as walkthroughs become routine.
Use the free templates, or run walkthroughs in EX in Education where the evidence connects to coaching, evaluation, PD, and retention. Every educator, from hired to thriving.
Bring your walkthrough observation form, or start from ours.
A quick walkthrough is for one lens and a fast look. If you need something else, start here.
Part of EX in Education
Walkthrough observation forms are one part of how districts support educators. In EX in Education, they connect to the bigger picture: 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.
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