End-of-Year Eval or Eulogy?

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Is your end-of-year evaluation a wrap-up — or a eulogy?

Too many principals treat evaluations like a final report card.

They recap test scores, list wins and losses, and say polite things that make everyone feel like they’ve “closed the loop.” Then they shut the binder and call it a year.

But that mindset? It’s killing your momentum.

When you treat evaluations like a finish line, your team coasts into summer without clarity, direction, or inspiration.

You miss a golden opportunity to plant seeds for the future… and start next year already behind.

Your best teachers walk away with no idea what you see in them.

Your struggling teachers walk away confused about your expectations.

And your culture? It flatlines until August PD.

The Reframe

Evaluations aren’t a summary. They’re a signal.

This is your first act of leadership for next year — not your last one for this year.

Use this moment to cast vision, not just deliver feedback.

Here’s how to do it …