Session 1 – Leadership and Change Management in ELT
Room A
Change Management: Leading Transformation of Teacher Observations
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Summary
Traditional evaluative observations often fall short in driving meaningful change, focusing on isolated lessons rather than overall teacher development, resulting in the feeling that observations are a box-ticking exercise for both teachers and managers. This presentation explores change management strategies for leading transformation of the teacher observation program in the School of English and University Pathways, RMIT Vietnam. It addresses the need for change in formal observations and introduces a new observation program designed to be a springboard for teacher-led professional development, combining evaluative observations with a suite of developmental options, fostering a holistic approach to teacher growth.
This presentation will present insights into leading educational transformation in the context of teacher observations. Key stages of the change management strategy are explored, including effective communication, comprehensive training, early teacher involvement, and phased implementation. The importance of stakeholder engagement is discussed, with input from teachers, managers, and students shaping the program’s development. Challenges faced during the implementation phase are addressed, along with successful strategies employed to overcome them.
Reflecting on lessons learned, the session identifies successful aspects and areas for improvement in future change management initiatives, and outlines future directions for the observation program.
Presenter: May Barbree
Bio
May Barbree is the Academic Manager, Learning & Teaching in the School of English & University Pathways, RMIT University Vietnam. She has a degree in Education and is Cambridge DELTA qualified. In the ELT industry for over 10 years, she has worked in teaching and management in universities in four countries and as a Teacher Trainer for several language teaching organisations.
This session is entitled Leading Educational Transformation and will focus on the Role of Visionary Leadership in Educational Transformation, Strategies for Communicating and a Compelling Vision for Change.
Presenter: June Lee
Bio
June Lee is the Academic English Manager, English for University in the School of English & University Pathways, RMIT University Vietnam. She holds a Master of Education TESOL and a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration, with 16 years of experience in English Language Teaching and 8 years in management. In addition to her academic management role, she is currently project managing the Observation Program Review Project.
This session is entitled Leading Educational Transformation and will focus on the Role of Visionary Leadership in Educational Transformation, Strategies for Communicating and a Compelling Vision for Change.
