Field Supervisor Observations - Frequently Asked Questions

What is Field Supervisor Observation Training?

Field Supervisor Observation Training is a training developed for providing guidelines and instruction in delivering structures and practices for field supervisor observation visits to teacher candidates participating in clinical teaching or internship experiences through educator preparation programs (EPPs).

What is the purpose of Field Supervisor Observation training?

The training has been developed to instruct field supervisors of EPPs in best practices for providing in-classroom support and coaching to teacher candidates during required observation visits. Further, this training has been developed to align with the type of observation visits that teachers will receive on their campus under the Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS). The goal is to align expectations for EPPs and teacher candidates with the expectations of the state’s recommended evaluation and appraisal system while providing programs with tools to provide meaningful feedback and support to their candidates.

What will the Field Supervisor Observation training include?

The training includes the following:

  • Rationale for the training
  • An overview of the T-TESS domains and rubric
  • A review of the role of a field supervisor
  • An overview of the evaluation cycle: pre-conference, observation, post-conference
  • A review of the elements of an effective lesson
  • Instruction in planning for and conducting a pre-conference
  • Practice in conducting a pre-conference
  • Instruction in and practice in collecting evidence during an observation
  • Practice categorizing evidence collected during an observation and connecting it to the domains
  • Instruction in preparing for and conducting an observation debrief
  • Practice conducting a post-observation debrief
  • Instruction in and practice in coaching and encouraging teacher reflection through questioning
  • Additional resources


What is the deadline for receiving Field Supervisor Observation training?

Field supervisors who support clinical teachers or internship teachers who have been admitted to an EPP on or after December 27, 2016, must complete this training before providing supervision.