District reports rollout of new teacher evaluation plan and professional development

The Wallingford school district presented its annual teacher evaluation overview to the Board of Education on May 29, describing implementation of a revised evaluation process and supporting professional development for staff.

Administrators said the board approved updated evaluation plans and the district implemented them this school year with training for certified staff. Central office leaders reported the program includes mentoring and induction supports: trained cooperating teachers hosted student teachers, and 11 mentoring teachers worked with beginning teachers (six in elementary schools, two in middle schools and three in high schools).

The curriculum office described this year’s professional development model: three full‑day PD sessions and eight early‑release days that include district‑directed and teacher‑led offerings. Sessions focused on curriculum implementation, high‑quality instructional strategies, social‑emotional learning and classroom technology. The district also offered teacher‑facing sessions on artificial intelligence and plans further AI‑related work for teachers and students next year.

Administrators said the evaluation and PD work is collaborative, built with the Professional Development and Evaluation Committee and administrative teams, and will continue to be refined.