All evaluators of teachers must successfully complete training on the 2022 Danielson Framework for Teaching© (FfT) and growth-focused observation and feedback practices before conducting observations of teachers under the Wisconsin Educator Effectiveness (EE) System state model. Thereafter, evaluators of teachers must complete annual training and calibration to maintain their certification to evaluate teachers in the state model.
2025-26 Initial Observer Certification
The initial observer certification process is designed for administrators new to the state model who are responsible for teacher observation and evaluation in the Wisconsin EE System state model.
Certification Validity
Upon successful completion of the initial certification training, the certification is valid for the duration of the school year in which it was completed.
Who should complete the initial observer certification training?
Successful initial certification training (parts I & II) is required for evaluators of teachers who:
- Are a new observer/evaluator in a state model district or independent charter school;
- Do not have records of previous state model certification completion
Overview
There are two activities to complete the training:
- Part I - an online training module (approximately 4 hours). The online module may be completed individually (asynchronously) or through facilitated, in-person group training provided by the local administration or regional CESA.*
- Part II - a collaborative observation calibration activity including observation, evidence alignment, and feedback practice that calibrates the evaluator with other certified state model evaluators.
*Part I training module is designed to be completed individually, asynchronously. Local facilitation will require careful planning and adaptation, along with access to special resources provided by DPI. Local facilitators can access facilitation materials using the link below to register and select the facilitation option.
2025-26 Observer Recertification
The 2025-26 observer recertification training is designed to provide just-in-time professional learning about using the 2022 Danielson FfT© in the context of the Wisconsin EE System.
Recertification Validity
Upon successful completion of the 2025-26 recertification training (parts I & II), the certification is valid through the 2025-26 school year.
Who should complete the recertification training?
Recertification (parts I & II) is required for evaluators of teachers who:
- Have successfully completed the initial observer certification.
Overview
There are two activities to complete the training:
- Part I - an online training module (approximately 90 min). The online module may be completed individually (asynchronously) or through facilitated, in-person group training provided by the local administration or regional CESA.*
- Part II - a collaborative observation calibration activity including observation, evidence alignment, and feedback practice that calibrates the evaluator with other certified state model evaluators.
*Part I training module is designed to be completed individually, asynchronously. Local facilitation will require careful planning and adaptation, along with access to special resources provided by DPI. Local facilitators can access facilitation materials using the link below to register and select the facilitation option.
Keep Records
Employers and individuals should maintain records of completion of initial certification and recertification.
Upon completion of the certification and recertification Part I training modules:
- Participants complete a Qualtrics form to receive a certificate of completion by email.
- Participants may have a copy of the certificate email sent to one additional email address. Local education agency administrations may create a system and communicate a specific email address to enter to facilitate local administrative recordkeeping. It may be beneficial to consult with local legal counsel.
Video Library for Evaluator Training
In Part II of initial certification and recertification training, observers participate in a calibration activity through collaborative observation. If possible, evaluators should conduct these observations in pairs or small groups. DPI recommends that these observations occur in a local classroom with evaluators from the same school, district, or region. Having local context, background, and understanding can provide a richer, more collaborative experience.
The WI TeachForward Video Library provides options for videos that may be useful to support the WI evaluator training activities. DPI provides this library for use by state model evaluators and other administrators. Please allow up to three business days for response to registration.
The Initial Observer Certification and Observer Recertification trainings were developed in partnership with the Wisconsin Evaluation Collaborative (WEC). WEC is housed within the Wisconsin Center for Education Research (WCER) at the University of Wisconsin - Madison.