A Handbook for Teacher Leaders

"The authors skillfully present the many ways a PAR approach can be tailored to a given district or school. This book provides a wealth of material to assist any principal, school, or district with its teacher improvement needs."
Peter Airasian, Professor
Boston College

"If you are ready for peer review, Anderson and Pellicer offer the model. If you are trying to make the decision, Teacher Peer Assistance and Review offers a realistic look at the pros and cons, the do′s and don′ts of this hot topic. A wonderful and unique addition to the literature!"
Anna Hicks McFadden, Department of Educational Leadership and Foundations
Western Carolina University

"Anderson and Pellicer offer a thoughtful and fair analysis of peer review as it relates to teaching performance. This is the place to start if improving the overall quality of instruction is important in your school district."
Dal Lawrence, Former President
Toledo Federation of Teachers
Toledo, OH

"In their book, Teacher Peer Assistance and Review, Anderson and Pellicer present a compelling case for involving teachers in the instructional supervision process. They also point out the challenges associated with peer assistance and review and provide the reader with a step-by-step guide for overcoming them. Written in a clear, straightforward style, this book is a must-read for teachers, administrators, and policymakers who are serious about implementing effective peer assistance and review programs."
Aretha B. Pigford, Chair
Department of Educational Leadership and Human Services
Florida A&M University

Elementary and secondary educators are discovering what higher education faculty have always known—Peer Assistance and Review (PAR) programs work! Both new and veteran teachers can improve and update their knowledge and skills by linking with "consulting" teachers who provide support through observation, modeling, and sharing of information. PAR programs can strengthen teacher professionalism, improve teacher quality, and ultimately enhance student learning, if done well.

Anderson and Pellicer, two nationally renowned educators, chart a course for developing and implementing an effective PAR program based on long-standing, successful programs. Easy-to-read sections highlight:

• Components of successful teacher peer assistance and review programs
• Ten essential questions to ask before you begin
• Criteria, standards, and data
• Key players and their roles, relationships, and responsibilities
• Reporting and using the results
• Best practices from accomplished programs

Useful Web sites, sample forms, job descriptions and applications, and an example of an educational policy trust agreement offer practical, how-to help. Both administrators and teachers interested in understanding and incorporating a Peer Assistance and Review program will find this book an essential guide.