Back See this section in context: Criterion 3 Core Component 3B

3B.3: Evaluating and Recognizing Teaching

A yearly evaluation process for full-time and adjunct faculty provides feedback and encouragement for improvements in teaching:

• Adjunct faculty evaluation (including off-site dual credit faculty): Teachers are observed in the classroom by the Dean of Instructional Services. Following the classroom observation, the Dean writes a classroom observation narrative which is shared with the faculty member and also added to the personnel file.
• Full-time faculty evaluation procedures: The supervising administrator is charged with collecting information about each faculty member each year, according to contract provisions. The process involves a written self-evaluation followed by an evaluation interview with the appropriate Dean or Vice President, which results in a written evaluation and recommendation to the President. Among the factors considered are several directly pertaining to the quality of teaching:
  • Classroom teaching (Formal classroom observation every third year or when circumstances require one)
  • Professional growth (self-reported by the faculty)
  • Academic growth (self-reported by the faculty)
  • Service to students (self-reported by the faculty)
  • Adherence to the faculty job description.

Given that the evaluation system works to ensure the competency of the entire faculty, Sauk's primary mode of supporting and rewarding excellence is its faculty promotion process. Guidelines specify that “the acquisition of credits and necessary experience is only one criterion to determine eligibility for promotion”; included as a consideration in every faculty promotion is also the annual evaluation described above, including specifically “demonstrated teaching capability.”