Congratulations to everyone who is officially on summer break! You’ve survived another school year to reap some sunny, sunny rewards. I can’t tell you how very jealous I am of your 3-month reprieve.

In celebration of summer, I’ve got some good news for you: you’re famous.

At least so says the new teacher blog “Television and Teaching.” I’ve only read one post, but I’m already a fan. Not only does this blog bring together two of my favorite things, but John Spencer (an edublog celeb in his own right) recommended it.

In the first post, entitled “TMZ: every teacher is a celebrity,” you’ll read:

“I've watched students gather around at table and share gossip and it's precisely how TMZ works at the close of the episode.  Any time a teacher cusses, regardless of context, it's fodder for the execs at the Schoolyard TMZ show, where the social elites disguise their insecurities by talking about the personal lives of others.” Full post

I’ve never thought of it that way, but it’s totally true. The blogger then goes on to give some practical, witty advice about how to deal with the downsides of your edufame. This seems like a blog with substance communicated in a light, pop-culture driven way. Like a beach book by a respected author, it seems like a guilt-free summer read. I’m looking forward to following.

On a more serious note, your status as celebs may also be affected your grades. EdWeek is reporting that administrators might be going too easy on teacher evaluations.

The main concern in the report is, of course, that students are being hurt by ineffective teachers getting “inflated” grades, but also that teachers aren’t being given ample direction in their assessment.

“Seventy-three percent of the teachers surveyed said their evaluations did not identify an area for development. Only 43 percent of teachers said the evaluations helped them improve.” Full article

Theoretically, it’s the same concept as assessing student achievement, right? They can’t improve unless you tell them what they need to improve upon.

Stats are well and good, but I’d like to hear it from actual teachers rather than researchers and politicians. Are there teachers out acing their evaluations who should be failing? Share your take in the comments section!