The Georgia Department of Education is launching a pilot for a new teacher evaluation system that emphasizes growth and elevates the teaching profession.

The pilot will feature a comprehensive educator evaluation system that promotes teacher collaboration and shared ownership for professional growth, recognition for effective practices, and clear pathways for career advancement. 

The pilot will include up to a dozen school districts representing urban, suburban, and rural communities selected to participate this fall, with the pilot taking place during the 2023-2024 school year. The goal is to replace the current Teacher Keys Effectiveness System (TKES) and Leader Keys Effectiveness System (LKES). 

“I am fully committed to developing a teacher evaluation model that treats teachers as professionals and helps them succeed throughout their careers, to the benefit of students – rather than a punitive, ‘gotcha’ system,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. “This pilot is an opportunity for proof of concept and will allow us to work with school districts throughout the state to create an evaluation system that’s designed for teacher growth.” 

GaLEADS is designed to be a teacher evaluation system that values and elevates educators, instead of devaluing them – with the ultimate goal of supporting student success. It will provide clear, personalized paths with supports, expectations, and opportunities every step of the way for teachers to grow as professionals – from beginning teacher to teacher leader.

The application to participate in the GaLEADS pilot opens September 1. Local school district superintendents have received information on the application opportunity and GaDOE will continue to share updates throughout the pilot process.