Evaluator Training, Certification, and Calibration

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.

Training Participant Resources

Part I: Initial Asynchronous Observer Training Module

Due to website updates, training participants may encounter resource links that do not work. While we put a resolution in place, please email DPIEducator.Effectiveness@dpi.wi.gov to request and receive a desired resource.

Part II: Calibration-Collaborative Observation Protocol

Additional Initial Observer Certification Resources

 

Register for In-Person Facilitation Materials

2026-27 Observer Recertification

The recertification process is required annually.

The 2026-27 EE Observer Recertification Training is focused on leadership practices and 2022 Danielson FfT^© rubric language to support feedback on differentiated instruction within the context of the Wisconsin EE System.

Recertification Validity

Upon successful completion of the 2026-27 recertification training (parts I & II), the certification is valid through the 2026-27 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.

Training Participant Resources

The Part I Recertification Training module is available as a course in DPI's LearnProfessional learning management system (LMS). Individuals should use the dropdown sections on the LearnProfessional page for instructions on how to register for an account, sign in to an existing account, search the catalog for the "EE Observer Recertification" course, and enroll in the course.

Part I: Recertification Asynchronous Observer Training

Part II: Calibration-Collaborative Observation Protocol

 

Register for In-Person Facilitation Materials

Keep Records

Employers and individuals should maintain records of completion of initial certification and recertification. Administrators may want to consult with local legal counsel.

• Participants receive a certificate of completion upon completion of Part I training modules.
  • Initial Certification: Participants may have a copy of the certificate sent to an additional email address. Local education agency administrations may create a system and communicate a specific email address to provide to facilitate local administrative recordkeeping.
  • Recertification: A certificate of completion is downloadable by the participant from the LearnProfessional course. District administrations may request a report of course completions for their district.
• Local administrations and the participating individuals should maintain documentation of completion of Part II. DPI does not provide a universal completion certificate or submission form.

Video Library for Evaluator Training

A WI TeachForward Video Library account is necessary to complete observation activities in Part I of the recertification 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.

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