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Marzano Teacher Evaluation in New Jersey,
Commissioner Approved and Standards Aligned

New Jersey requires every district to measure teacher practice with a Commissioner-approved instrument, and those instruments must align to the New Jersey Professional Standards for Teachers. Marzano’s model is on NJDOE’s approved list, and that listing supports both the original Marzano model and the current Marzano Focused Teacher Evaluation Model. Our crosswalk maps each of the Focused model’s 23 elements to the state’s professional standards.

Marzano Evaluation Center provides the crosswalk, observer training built around New Jersey’s training and co-observation requirements, and iObservation software, so your observations are consistent, well documented, and focused on growth.

State Framework

Commissioner-approved practice instruments

Under N.J.A.C. 6A:10-7, districts measure teacher practice with an instrument from NJDOE’s approved list, or propose their own through NJDOE’s application process. Approved instruments must align to the New Jersey Professional Standards for Teachers.

Our Model

Marzano Focused Teacher Evaluation Model

Twenty-three research-based elements across four domains, each mapped to the New Jersey Professional Standards for Teachers in our crosswalk. Training, coaching, and iObservation are set up for your district.

Adoption Pathway

Approved list, local purchase

NJDOE’s Marzano listing supports both the original and current Focused models. Buying an instrument, training, or software is a separate step that follows New Jersey’s public bidding rules, led by your business administrator.

FREE DOWNLOAD

New Jersey Professional Standards Crosswalk

See how each of the Focused Teacher Evaluation Model’s 23 elements aligns to the New Jersey Professional Standards for Teachers, the alignment state rules require of every approved instrument. Ready to share with your board, your District Evaluation Advisory Committee, and teacher representatives.

  • All 23 elements of the Focused Teacher Evaluation Model, with each element’s focus statement
  • Each element mapped to specific New Jersey Professional Standards for Teachers (N.J.A.C. 6A:9-3.3)
  • Coverage across all four standards domains: the learner and learning, content, instructional practice, and professional responsibility
  • The regulation behind the alignment requirement (N.J.A.C. 6A:10-7.2)g

HOW ADOPTION WORKS IN NEW JERSEY

Three steps from first look to first observation.

New Jersey sets the rules for instruments, observations, and purchasing. The work of choosing and launching a model happens in your district, and we help with every step.

01

Review the crosswalk with your evaluation committee

Share the crosswalk with your leadership team and District Evaluation Advisory Committee. It shows how the Focused Teacher Evaluation Model aligns to the standards New Jersey requires, which builds common ground before you move forward.

02

Plan purchasing and training

We’ll work with your team on scope, timeline, and staff size, and give your business administrator what they need for the public bidding process. Then we plan observer training so everyone is trained before observing for evaluation.

03

Implement with framework, PD, and software working together

We provide the Focused Teacher Evaluation Model framework, observer training and co-observation support, annual refresher training, and iObservation software, all set up for your district.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

The full Marzano evaluation system, for teachers and school leaders.

New Jersey also requires a Commissioner-approved instrument for principals, assistant principals, and vice principals, and NJDOE’s principal list includes a Marzano school leadership model. Our aligned models evaluate every role with the same research-based framework and shared language.

TEACHER EVALUATION

23 elements · 4 domains

Twenty-three research-based elements give teachers clear, specific feedback. The foundation of our system, built for standards-based classrooms.

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SCHOOL LEADER EVALUATION

21 elements · 6 domains

Aligned directly to the teacher model. Evaluates principals on the instructional leadership behaviors that research links to student outcomes.

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DISTRICT LEADER EVALUATION

20 elements · 6 domains

Built as part of one integrated system, connecting superintendent actions to principal effectiveness and student outcomes across the district.

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iOBSERVATION SOFTWARE

Built for the Marzano models

Set up for your district’s review cycle, with real-time walkthroughs, scoring calibration, growth plans, and districtwide reporting in one place.

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NEW JERSEY QUESTIONS

Common questions from New Jersey districts

Is the Marzano Focused Teacher Evaluation Model approved in New Jersey?

Yes. Marzano’s model is on NJDOE’s list of Commissioner-approved teacher practice instruments, listed as Marzano’s Causal Teacher Evaluation Model. That listing supports both the original Marzano model and the current Marzano Focused Teacher Evaluation Model.

Does New Jersey require a specific teacher evaluation instrument?

No single instrument is required. Districts choose a Commissioner-approved teacher practice instrument. NJDOE publishes more than two dozen, and several more approved district instruments are kept confidential. Districts can also apply to have their own instrument approved.

Can a district modify an approved instrument or use one that isn’t on the list?

Yes. Districts submit a streamlined application to modify an approved instrument, or a full application for a new one, by emailing [email protected]. Applications are due August 1 before the school year the district plans to use the instrument, and NJDOE responds within 30 days.

How many observations does New Jersey require?

Tenured teachers need two observations a year and non-tenured teachers need three, each at least 20 minutes. Every teacher has at least one unannounced observation and one announced observation with a pre-conference, and a post-conference follows each observation. Observers must be trained on the instrument, complete at least two co-observations, and attend annual refresher training.

Does public bidding apply when a district buys an evaluation instrument?

Yes. Approved instruments do not come with a state contract, so districts contract on their own and follow New Jersey’s public bidding laws, usually led by the business administrator. This is separate from instrument approval.

Ready to bring Marzano to your New Jersey district?

Talk with a specialist about your district’s size, timeline, and current evaluation setup. We’ll put together a realistic implementation plan, no generic pitch.

Talk with an Expert

Is Your Evaluation System Driving Growth - or Just Checking Boxes?

18 questions across 6 areas. Score yourself 1-4. Start the conversation with your leadership team.

Take the 5-min diagnostic