What Walkthroughs Are (and Are Not) Supposed to Do

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Has this happened to you as a school leader?

You do walkthroughs.
You want to be visible.
You’re checking on instruction.
You might even be collecting data.

But let’s be honest:
If the teacher doesn’t grow and the system doesn’t shift - what did the walkthrough actually do?

Spoiler: not much.

Because the goal isn’t just to show up.
It’s to build trust, build clarity, and build better practice.

And that doesn’t happen through checklists or “gotcha” feedback.
It happens through intentional praise…
and questions that invite reflection — not resistance.

The Reality: Most Walkthroughs Collect More Than They Change

If we’re being honest…
Most walkthroughs are designed to satisfy someone else.

📊 The district wants numbers
📈 The dashboard needs indicators
🧩 The form looks aligned - but no one’s sure to what

And sure, teachers might see you around.
But when’s the last time the feedback you gave actually helped someone get better?

Because without clarity, connection, and curiosity, all you’re doing is walking around.

What This Looks Like in Action

Walkthroughs aren’t about checking boxes.
They’re about creating a rhythm of support that moves the work.

The best leaders use walkthroughs to:

✅ Affirm what’s working — out loud
Start with clear praise. It’s not fluff. It’s a signal. It tells your teachers what to keep doing.

✅ Ask reflective, feedback-driven questions
Try: “What impact did you notice from using "[strategy] today?”
or “How are students responding when you adjust your pace mid-lesson?”

✅ Build shared language and alignment
If no one knows what “engagement” or “rigor” looks like in action, your walkthroughs won’t catch it either.

✅ Strengthen trust, not just visibility
When teachers trust you’re watching to support — not to catch — everything changes.

✅ Spot patterns to drive systems work
What you see most often isn’t a teacher problem — it’s a schoolwide clarity problem.

Leadership Moves You Can Make This Week

👀 Watch With the Intent to Affirm
Go into your next walkthrough looking for what’s working. Be specific. Praise builds safety — and attention.

💬 Use the Praise-Prompt Model
Try this script:

Turn Feedback Into Conversation, Not Critique
Avoid “You should…” statements. Instead:

Shift from Judgement to Curiosity
Start your feedback with:

Join the 500-Classroom Walkthrough Challenge

It’s not about quantity for the sake of it.
It’s about building a habit of instructional visibility that leads to growth — for you and your team.

🔗 Join The Challenge Here

Final Thought: Great Feedback Feels Like Support, Not Surveillance

If your walkthroughs leave teachers feeling confused, judged, or ignored —
They won’t grow. They’ll put up their guard.

But when feedback starts with genuine praise,
and invites reflection through curious, thoughtful questions—
you’re not just checking in.
You’re coaching with credibility.

📩 What’s your go-to feedback move after a walkthrough? Hit reply — i’d love to hear how you’re keeping the work supportive and strategic.

On A Recent Episode of The Principal School Podcast…

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