Starting as a new administrator can be overwhelming. What exactly should you look for during classroom walkthroughs? This comprehensive checklist covers everything you need to observe, document, and follow up on during classroom visits.
Pro Tip for New Administrators
Don't try to observe everything on your first visits. Start with 3-5 key areas and gradually expand as you become more comfortable. Quality observations beat quantity every time.
The Master Walkthrough Checklist
Check off items as you observe them. Your selections are saved locally.
Before You Enter (Preparation)
Classroom Environment (First 30 Seconds)
Student Engagement & Behavior
Observable Student Behaviors:
Concerning Behaviors to Note:
Instructional Practices
Teaching Strategies:
Questioning Techniques:
Classroom Management
Assessment & Feedback
Red Flags That Require Follow-Up
If you observe any of these, schedule a follow-up conversation within 24-48 hours:
- Safety concerns (physical, emotional, or environmental)
- Inappropriate teacher-student interactions or language
- No evidence of lesson planning or preparation
- Majority of students off-task or confused
- Discriminatory practices or inequitable treatment
- Complete lack of classroom management
- Technology misuse or inappropriate content
Quick Reference: What to Look For by Time
First 30 Seconds
- • Learning objective posted
- • Classroom organization
- • Student engagement level
- • General atmosphere
Minutes 1-3
- • Teaching strategy in use
- • Student participation
- • Questioning techniques
- • Differentiation evidence
Minutes 3-5+
- • Assessment methods
- • Feedback to students
- • Classroom management
- • Follow-up needs
Tips for New Administrators
DO:
- Enter quietly and find an unobtrusive spot
- Smile and nod to acknowledge the teacher
- Take specific notes with timestamps
- Focus on student learning evidence
- Provide feedback within 24-48 hours
DON'T:
- Interrupt instruction or talk to teacher
- Interact with students during observation
- Make facial expressions showing judgment
- Stay longer than necessary (5-15 min is enough)
- Leave without acknowledging the teacher
Make This Checklist Work on Any Device
While this printable checklist is helpful, many administrators find digital tools more practical for daily walkthroughs. Benefits include:
- Auto-save observations as you type
- Access your checklist from phone or tablet
- Track patterns across multiple observations
- Share feedback instantly with teachers
Recommended Walkthrough Schedule for New Administrators
| Month | Focus | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Month 1-2 | Get to know teachers, focus on environment & engagement | 2-3 per day |
| Month 3-4 | Add instructional practices to your observations | 4-5 per day |
| Month 5-6 | Full observations including assessment & differentiation | 5-6 per day |
| Ongoing | Maintain visibility, support growth areas | 5-8 per day |
Ready to Streamline Your Observations?
Simplify your walkthrough process while improving teacher support with our digital tools.
Free for 10 observations • This checklist included digitally
Streamline Your Walkthroughs
Ready to move beyond paper checklists? Our teacher evaluation software digitizes this entire process, saving principals 10+ hours per week.
See How It Works →