Best Teacher Evaluation Software in 2026: Complete Comparison Guide

Choosing teacher evaluation software is one of the most consequential technology decisions a school administrator can make. The right tool saves hundreds of hours annually and genuinely improves teacher development. The wrong one becomes expensive shelfware that teachers and administrators alike learn to resent.

This guide compares the leading teacher evaluation software options for 2026, evaluated not just on features and compliance capabilities, but on the question that matters most: Does this tool actually help administrators become better instructional coaches?

We've analyzed six platforms based on real-world use cases, pricing transparency, and feedback from administrators who use them daily.

Quick Comparison Table

Software	Best For	Starting Price	Key Strength	Key Limitation
Trellis	Feedback writing speed	$4/teacher/month	Turns observation notes into personalized feedback in minutes	Newer platform, smaller user base
Vector Evaluations+	Large districts with complex workflows	Custom pricing	Comprehensive compliance tracking	Steep learning curve
Frontline Education	Districts wanting an all-in-one HR suite	Custom pricing	Integration with hiring, PD, absence management	Evaluation module can feel like an add-on
Education Advanced	Mid-size districts seeking balance	~$3-5/teacher/month	Strong customization options	Interface feels dated
Classroom Mosaic	Schools prioritizing video coaching	$6/teacher/month	Excellent video annotation tools	Less robust for formal evaluations
iObservation	Marzano framework alignment	Custom pricing	Deep framework integration	Limited flexibility outside Marzano

What to Look for in Teacher Evaluation Software

Before diving into individual reviews, consider these evaluation criteria based on what actually matters for administrator effectiveness:

1. Time to Complete an Evaluation

The average administrator spends 2+ hours writing feedback for a single formal observation. Multiply that by 30-50 teachers, and you're looking at 60-100 hours just on writing—not including the observations themselves. Any tool that doesn't meaningfully reduce this time isn't solving your real problem.

Questions to ask: How long does it take to go from observation notes to completed feedback? Does the software help with writing, or just organizing?

2. Quality of Feedback Output

Speed means nothing if the feedback is generic. Teachers can tell when they receive templated comments, and it undermines the entire evaluation process. Look for tools that maintain personalization while improving efficiency.

Questions to ask: Can the software adapt to individual teacher contexts and goals? Does feedback sound like you, or like a robot?

3. Framework Flexibility

Schools use different evaluation frameworks—Danielson, Marzano, state-specific models, or custom rubrics. Your software should support your framework without forcing awkward workarounds.

Questions to ask: Does the platform support your specific framework? How difficult is it to customize rubrics?

4. Teacher Experience

Teachers are the end users of your feedback. If the software creates a clinical, compliance-focused experience, it undermines the growth mindset you're trying to cultivate.

Questions to ask: What do teachers see? Does the platform support two-way communication? Can teachers track their own growth?

5. Implementation and Support

The best features mean nothing if your team can't figure out how to use them. Evaluate the onboarding process, ongoing support, and training resources.

Questions to ask: What does implementation look like? Is training included? How responsive is support?

6. Reporting and Analytics

District leaders need aggregate insights without compromising individual teacher data. Look for meaningful analytics, not just data dumps.

Questions to ask: What reports are available? Can you identify school-wide trends? How is data privacy handled?

Detailed Reviews

1. Trellis

Best for: Administrators who want to write better feedback faster

Trellis takes a fundamentally different approach to teacher evaluation software. Rather than focusing primarily on compliance tracking and workflow management, Trellis is built around a single insight: the bottleneck in teacher evaluation is writing meaningful feedback, not managing paperwork.

The platform's core feature is a feedback writing assistant that transforms observation notes into personalized, growth-focused feedback. Administrators input their raw notes—bullet points, timestamps, quotes—and Trellis generates draft feedback that maintains the administrator's voice while following research-based feedback structures.

Key Features:

• AI-assisted feedback writing that reduces write-up time from 2 hours to 15 minutes
• Teacher history tracking (the system remembers previous observations and goals)
• Framework-agnostic design (works with Danielson, Marzano, or custom rubrics)
• Growth-focused feedback templates
• Simple, modern interface

Pricing: Starts at $4/teacher/month. Transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Free pilot available.

Pros:

• Dramatically faster feedback writing without sacrificing quality
• Maintains administrator's authentic voice
• Easy to learn—most administrators are productive within an hour
• Teacher portal shows growth trajectory over time
• Responsive customer support

Cons:

• Newer platform (launched 2024) with smaller user base than established players
• Fewer compliance-focused features than enterprise solutions
• Limited integrations with SIS platforms (though expanding)
• Not ideal for districts that prioritize compliance tracking over coaching

Best fit: Trellis is ideal for administrators who feel the time crunch of evaluation season and want to spend less time writing and more time coaching. It's particularly strong for schools that view evaluation as professional development rather than compliance.

Learn more about Trellis →

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2. Vector Evaluations+ (formerly Vector Talent)

Best for: Large districts with complex evaluation workflows and compliance requirements

Vector Evaluations+ is the enterprise choice for districts that need industrial-strength compliance tracking. It handles complex evaluation cycles, multiple observer workflows, and detailed audit trails. If your district has union agreements with specific evaluation procedures or state reporting requirements, Vector has likely seen it before.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive workflow management for multi-step evaluation processes
• Detailed compliance tracking and audit trails
• Support for multiple evaluation frameworks
• Integration with Vector's broader talent management suite
• Robust reporting for district-level insights

Pricing: Custom pricing based on district size. Typically requires annual contract. Expect $8-15/teacher/month for full functionality.

Pros:

• Battle-tested in large, complex districts
• Excellent compliance and documentation features
• Strong integration with HR and talent management workflows
• Comprehensive training and implementation support
• Handles union contract requirements well

Cons:

• Steep learning curve—administrators often need extensive training
• Interface can feel overwhelming with features most users don't need
• Feedback writing is still largely manual
• Implementation timeline measured in months, not weeks
• Pricing lacks transparency

Best fit: Vector is the right choice for large districts (5,000+ students) with complex compliance requirements, union agreements, and dedicated HR staff to manage the system. It's overkill for smaller schools prioritizing simplicity.

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3. Frontline Education (Talent Management Suite)

Best for: Districts wanting evaluation integrated with broader HR functions

Frontline Education offers teacher evaluation as part of a comprehensive talent management platform that includes recruiting, hiring, professional development, and absence management. The evaluation module benefits from this integration—teacher data flows between systems without duplicate entry.

Key Features:

• Evaluation module integrated with hiring, onboarding, and PD tracking
• Goal-setting and professional growth planning
• Document storage and credential tracking
• Customizable evaluation forms and rubrics
• District-wide analytics dashboard

Pricing: Custom pricing as part of broader Frontline suite. Evaluation module typically $5-10/teacher/month when bundled.

Pros:

• Seamless integration if you're already using Frontline for other HR functions
• Comprehensive teacher record keeping
• Strong professional development tracking
• Well-established company with extensive support resources
• Good mobile app for observation notes

Cons:

• Evaluation module can feel secondary to other Frontline products
• Less specialized for evaluation than dedicated platforms
• Feedback writing assistance is minimal
• Full value requires buying into the Frontline ecosystem
• Can be expensive if you only need evaluation features

Best fit: Frontline makes sense for districts already using (or planning to use) Frontline for HR, recruiting, or professional development. The evaluation module adds value as part of the ecosystem but may not stand alone against specialized alternatives.

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4. Education Advanced (Evaluation Module)

Best for: Mid-size districts seeking customization and flexibility

Education Advanced offers a modular approach to school administration software, with evaluation as one component alongside special education management, 504 tracking, and other tools. The evaluation module provides solid customization options at a reasonable price point.

Key Features:

• Highly customizable evaluation forms and workflows
• Support for multiple frameworks including custom rubrics
• Evidence collection and artifact management
• Teacher self-assessment capabilities
• Integration with other Education Advanced modules

Pricing: Approximately $3-5/teacher/month. More transparent than enterprise competitors.

Pros:

• Strong customization without enterprise complexity
• Reasonable pricing for mid-size districts
• Good balance of features and usability
• Supports teacher self-reflection
• Helpful customer support

Cons:

• Interface design feels dated compared to newer platforms
• Mobile experience is limited
• Feedback writing is still fully manual
• Reporting could be more intuitive
• Less name recognition than larger competitors

Best fit: Education Advanced works well for mid-size districts (1,000-5,000 students) that need customization options but can't justify enterprise pricing. It's a solid, if unexciting, choice.

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5. Classroom Mosaic

Best for: Schools prioritizing video-based coaching and observation

Classroom Mosaic takes a video-first approach to teacher observation. Administrators (or teachers themselves) record lessons, then use the platform's annotation tools to provide timestamped feedback. It's built around the belief that video review is more valuable than in-person observation snapshots.

Key Features:

• Easy video recording and upload
• Timestamped video annotation for precise feedback
• Collaborative viewing and commenting
• Video library for exemplar lessons
• Integration with major video conferencing platforms

Pricing: Approximately $6/teacher/month. Transparent pricing with volume discounts.

Pros:

• Excellent video tools that genuinely improve coaching conversations
• Teachers can self-record and reflect before administrator review
• Builds a library of teaching examples over time
• Less intrusive than in-person observations for some teachers
• Modern, intuitive interface

Cons:

• Video recording adds friction to the observation process
• Less suited for quick walkthroughs and informal observations
• Formal evaluation features are less robust
• Requires reliable technology infrastructure
• Some teachers uncomfortable with video recording

Best fit: Classroom Mosaic is ideal for schools with strong coaching cultures that want to emphasize video-based reflection. It's less suitable as a standalone formal evaluation system but excellent as a coaching supplement.

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6. iObservation

Best for: Schools deeply committed to the Marzano framework

iObservation is built specifically around Dr. Robert Marzano's evaluation model. If your school or district has adopted Marzano's framework, iObservation provides the deepest integration available, with rubrics, look-fors, and resources aligned directly to Marzano's research.

Key Features:

• Native Marzano framework integration
• Element-level tracking and growth monitoring
• Marzano research resources built into the platform
• Deliberate practice protocols
• Professional development recommendations based on observation data

Pricing: Custom pricing. Typically $6-10/teacher/month with training packages.

Pros:

• Unmatched depth for Marzano framework users
• Research-based resources at point of need
• Strong deliberate practice integration
• Good for schools wanting tight framework alignment
• Includes Marzano professional development content

Cons:

• Limited flexibility if you don't use Marzano (or want to switch)
• Feedback writing is still manual
• Interface hasn't been significantly updated recently
• Can feel restrictive for administrators who want flexibility
• Premium pricing for framework-specific tool

Best fit: iObservation is the obvious choice for schools fully committed to the Marzano model. For schools using other frameworks or wanting flexibility, it's too specialized.

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How to Choose the Right Solution

With six viable options, how do you decide? Use this decision framework based on your school or district's priorities:

Choose Based on Your Primary Need

If your biggest problem is time spent writing feedback: Start with Trellis. The feedback writing assistance is genuinely differentiated and addresses the pain point most directly.

If compliance and documentation are paramount: Vector Evaluations+ handles complex requirements better than anyone else. Pay the premium for peace of mind.

If you want evaluation integrated with HR: Frontline makes sense if you're bought into their ecosystem. Don't adopt it just for evaluation.

If you need customization at a reasonable price: Education Advanced offers the best flexibility-to-cost ratio for mid-size districts.

If video coaching is your focus: Classroom Mosaic does video better than anyone. Use it alongside (not instead of) a formal evaluation system.

If you're a Marzano school: iObservation is purpose-built for you. The framework integration is worth the premium.

Consider Your District Size

District Size	Recommended Options
Single school	Trellis, Classroom Mosaic
Small district (under 1,000 students)	Trellis, Education Advanced
Mid-size district (1,000-5,000 students)	Trellis, Education Advanced, Frontline
Large district (5,000+ students)	Vector, Frontline, Trellis (with enterprise plan)

Questions to Ask During Demos

1. "Can you show me the complete workflow from observation to delivered feedback?"
2. "How long does it typically take administrators to complete a full evaluation cycle?"
3. "What does the teacher experience look like? Can I see the teacher portal?"
4. "How do you handle [your specific framework]?"
5. "What does implementation look like, and what support is included?"
6. "Can I talk to a reference customer of similar size?"

Red Flags to Watch For

• Pricing that requires a phone call: Lack of transparency often means high pressure sales and inflated costs.
• Implementation timelines over 3 months: For most schools, this signals unnecessary complexity.
• Features you'll never use: Enterprise tools often sell capabilities that sound impressive but add confusion.
• No free trial or pilot: If a vendor won't let you try before you buy, ask why.

Making the Transition

Switching teacher evaluation software is a significant change management effort. Here are key considerations:

Data Migration

Ask vendors about migrating historical evaluation data. Some platforms make this easy; others require starting fresh. Decide whether historical data is essential or whether a clean start is acceptable.

Training Requirements

Budget time for training. Even "intuitive" platforms require administrators to build new habits. Plan for 2-4 hours of initial training plus ongoing support during the first evaluation cycle.

Teacher Communication

Teachers will have questions (and possibly concerns) about new evaluation software. Communicate the "why" clearly—focus on how the change benefits them through better, faster feedback.

Pilot Before Full Rollout

Most vendors offer pilot programs. Use them. Run a pilot with a subset of administrators for one evaluation cycle before committing district-wide.

Conclusion

The teacher evaluation software market in 2026 offers genuine choices for schools of all sizes. The key is matching your primary need to the right tool:

• For faster feedback writing: Trellis transforms observation notes into quality feedback in minutes
• For enterprise compliance: Vector Evaluations+ handles complexity at scale

The best teacher evaluation software is the one your administrators will actually use effectively. Prioritize tools that save time and improve feedback quality over feature lists that look impressive but add complexity.

Ready to see how Trellis can transform your evaluation process? Request a demo →

FAQ

What is teacher evaluation software?

Teacher evaluation software is a digital platform that helps school administrators manage the teacher observation and evaluation process. These tools typically include features for scheduling observations, taking notes, writing feedback, tracking compliance, and generating reports. Modern platforms increasingly focus on improving feedback quality and reducing administrative time burden.

How much does teacher evaluation software cost?

Pricing varies widely based on features and district size. Basic platforms start around $3-4 per teacher per month, while enterprise solutions with comprehensive compliance features can run $10-15 per teacher per month or more. Most vendors offer volume discounts for larger districts. Always ask for transparent pricing before committing to demos.

Can teacher evaluation software work with different evaluation frameworks?

Most modern platforms support multiple frameworks including Danielson, Marzano, state-specific models, and custom rubrics. However, the depth of support varies. Some platforms (like iObservation) are built for a specific framework, while others (like Trellis and Education Advanced) are framework-agnostic. Confirm your specific framework is supported before purchasing.

How long does it take to implement teacher evaluation software?

Implementation timelines range from days to months depending on the platform and district size. Simpler tools like Trellis can be operational within a week. Enterprise platforms like Vector may require 2-3 months for full implementation including data migration, customization, and training.

Will teachers resist new evaluation software?

Teacher response depends largely on how the change is communicated and whether the new tool improves their experience. Software that leads to faster, more personalized feedback is generally welcomed. Tools that feel like additional compliance burden face more resistance. Involve teacher leaders in the selection process and emphasize benefits to their professional growth.

What's the difference between teacher evaluation software and instructional coaching platforms?

Teacher evaluation software focuses on the formal evaluation process—observations, ratings, compliance documentation. Instructional coaching platforms emphasize ongoing professional development conversations. Some tools (like Classroom Mosaic) blur this line. Many schools use both: evaluation software for formal cycles and coaching platforms for continuous improvement. Trellis bridges these by making evaluation feedback more coaching-oriented.