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Grading D.C. teachers

The District’s new teacher evaluation system is becoming a national model, even as unions and some experts question the wisdom of staking careers on it. And in the moment when school reform meets the teachers expected to carry it out, master educators, such as Eric Bethel, observe teachers, such as Clay Harris, in class — and then have a conference that can end careers.

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Clay Harris, center, a math instructor at Beers Elementary School works with third graders (from left)Trinity Brittingham, Reginold Bender, Mekhi Stinson and Savionne Young in Washington, D.C. on March 4.

Linda Davidson / THE WASHINGTON POST

Eric Bethel, a master educator with the D.C. Public School, writes up teacher observation notes between observations at Eaton Elementary School on Feb. 10, in Washington

Eric Bethel, a master educator with the D.C. Public School, writes up teacher observation notes between observations at Eaton Elementary School on Feb. 10, in Washington

Jahi Chikwendiu / WASHINGTON POST

Clay Harris, a math instructor at Beers Elementary School posts the classroom rules in Washington.

Clay Harris, a math instructor at Beers Elementary School posts the classroom rules in Washington.

Linda Davidson / THE WASHINGTON POST

A boy stands in the corner for a 'time out' in Clay Harris's math class at Beers Elementary School in Washington.

A boy stands in the corner for a "time out" in Clay Harris's math class at Beers Elementary School in Washington.

Linda Davidson / THE WASHINGTON POST

Clay Harris, a math instructor at Beers Elementary School, was recently evaluated under the IMPACT Master Teacher program and was given suggestions on improving teaching methods in his classes.

Clay Harris, a math instructor at Beers Elementary School, was recently evaluated under the IMPACT Master Teacher program and was given suggestions on improving teaching methods in his classes.

Linda Davidson / THE WASHINGTON POST

Eric Bethel, left, with the D.C. Public Schools, passes time between teacher observations at Eaton Elementary School in Washington. Education reformers nationwide are pushing for more rigorous, quantifiable ways to evaluate teachers, and DC is in the vanguard of that effort. DC's controversial system is known as IMPACT.

Eric Bethel, left, with the D.C. Public Schools, passes time between teacher observations at Eaton Elementary School in Washington. Education reformers nationwide are pushing for more rigorous, quantifiable ways to evaluate teachers, and DC is in the vanguard of that effort. DC's controversial system is known as IMPACT.

Jahi Chikwendiu / WASHINGTON POST

Eric Bethel, left, holds a conference with Chris Bergfalk, a science teacher at Eaton Elementary School.

Eric Bethel, left, holds a conference with Chris Bergfalk, a science teacher at Eaton Elementary School.

Jahi Chikwendiu / WASHINGTON POST

Third graders enter a math class at Beers Elementary School in Washington.

Third graders enter a math class at Beers Elementary School in Washington.

Linda Davidson / THE WASHINGTON POST

Clay Harris talks with kindergartender Shanya Edwards.

Clay Harris talks with kindergartender Shanya Edwards.

Linda Davidson / THE WASHINGTON POST

Eric Bethel, left, talks with Jacqueline Gartrell, the principal at Eaton Elementary School between teacher conferences.

Eric Bethel, left, talks with Jacqueline Gartrell, the principal at Eaton Elementary School between teacher conferences.

Jahi Chikwendiu / WASHINGTON POST

Trinity Brittingham lays her head on the desk during Clay Harris's math class at Beers Elementary School in Washington.

Trinity Brittingham lays her head on the desk during Clay Harris's math class at Beers Elementary School in Washington.

Linda Davidson / THE WASHINGTON POST

Eric Bethel prepares to have a one-on-one conference with Chris Bergfalk, left, a science teacher at Eaton Elementary School.

Eric Bethel prepares to have a one-on-one conference with Chris Bergfalk, left, a science teacher at Eaton Elementary School.

Jahi Chikwendiu / WASHINGTON POST

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