District hires VATLL consultant to train administrators in classroom observation and coaching

The Prince Edward County School Board heard details of a new professional learning partnership with Chris Jones, executive director of the Virginia Association for Teaching, Learning and Leading (VATLL), to train administrators in classroom observation and coaching.
Miss Garrett, a district staff member, told the board Jones will deliver a two‑semester program totaling 18 full school days per site (split across the year) focused on how administrators collect observable classroom data and provide coaching feedback. "What he's gonna do is he's gonna come 18 full school days, 6, for each school, and it's gonna be half in the first semester, half in the second semester," Miss Garrett said.
Why it matters: District leaders said the program emphasizes data‑based observation and coaching so principals can lead instructional improvement rather than relying solely on forms or subjective impressions. District staff described the work as clinical observation that builds administrators' ability to give reflective, actionable feedback to teachers.
Program details: The program began with a half‑day workshop for leaders and will continue with in‑school observation cycles and debriefs. Staff said the goal is to grow instructional conversations and coaching capacity across the district; principals will compare notes after classroom visits and use the evidence to guide coaching conversations.
Next steps: Sessions will begin at the high school and proceed through the schools; staff will update the board on progress through the school year.