The simple walk that changed a class substack shorts
In this video, Dr. Justin Baeder discusses how one small piece of principal feedback during a walkthrough can change a teacher’s practice for decades.
Key Takeaways
- Small Feedback Matters - A brief, specific comment from a principal can permanently improve a teacher’s instructional habits.
- Notice the Whole Room - Teachers need reminders to engage all students, not just the ones who are eager and compliant.
- Walkthroughs Shape Culture - Classroom visits build trust and growth when principals use them to coach rather than document gotchas.
- Join the Learning - Principals strengthen their presence when they talk with students and engage naturally in the lesson.
Full Transcript
I thought I was going to lose my job. And I go, what is he writing and everything? I'm just teaching photosynthesis. And he put it out. He walked out of the room. And five minutes later, when the bell rang, he gave me the sheet of paper.
He goes, this is all I wanted to do. And he goes, you never walk by these kids over here that are always in trouble, your troubled kids. You're always walking by the students that have all the answers. And he goes, I'm not putting this in your file, just thought you should know. And that was the best to this day, and that was 30 years ago. To this day, I make sure I walk around the whole class when I lecture.
So, there's little things that principals can do to help build that culture within a classroom. And let the principals talk. I love them when they come in and talk. And they get into the lesson. But there's so much...
