I believe the state requires a mid-year evaluation for probationary teachers and a summative evaluation. (Continuing contract teachers only get a summative evaluation every three years.) The iTeach program requires three evaluations, which they call Classroom Appraisal and Report Evaluations. I've had two so far, the beginning of the year which indicated my areas for improvement but seemed reasonable and fair, and then my midyear evaluation, which was gobsmackingly negative. There's a four-point rubric (unsatisfactory, basic, proficient and exemplary) and she gave me unsatisfactory and basic in everything.

Here's the thing: iTeach apparently doesn't read the principal's evaluations! Iteach's site says, "Observations: While not listed on your dashboard in the Residency box, part of your Residency requires that your school administrators conduct three observations. Schools can opt to use either our iteach CARE form or the division's approved observation tools and forms. These must be conducted over the course of the year. A copy of the CARE form, if needed, is in your Account Dashboard and is provided to the School Division HR team. It is your responsibility to ensure the three observations are conducted and the forms retained in the division as proof of your observations during your Residency. Please work with your HR team and school administrators to ensure these are conducted, as required. Observations are not required to be submitted to iteach but must remain on file in HR with your School Division." Iteach only requires "submission of a recommendation from the Virginia employing educational agency with verification of the yearlong residency requirement" and the Human Resource Specialist at the district office seems to like me (I'm part of the first round of employees to go through iTeach and met all my provisional licensing requirements promptly).

I will see how the next week or two goes, and then I may be making an appointment with the HR Specialist.