1. As a structured opportunity for peer observation and collaborative learning, "Free-Up Fridays" give teachers the chance to learn from one another's practices and broaden their instructional repertoire.

2. A thorough knowledge of who performs well in particular areas is obtained through routine observations and communication among colleagues, which is aided by email notifications and casual discussions.

3.By implementing coaching cycles, debriefing sessions, and focused observations led by math and literacy coaches, school administrators have taken advantage of the instructional expertise available to them. By fostering an environment of transparency and cooperation and acknowledging that education is a public act, they have made it possible for educators to gain from one another's experiences and insights, which has improved student outcomes and instructional effectiveness.

I know that I still worry and feel anxious every time someone comes into my room, but each time I remind myself how many really great coaching I have gotten from my peers and administrators.  Also, I have been very lucky that I have worked with people who understood how I also needed some specificity in positive feedback - both to support me continuing to use successful practices & routines and to give me the strength to see all coaching as a way to improve or hone my skills.  That way, I never see/hear coaching as a negative correction or an observation that I am lacking in some way that feels as a purely negative criticism. .  

Being able to observe fellow teachers is an amazing idea. Both teachers can bounce off on each others ideas and both can point out what is lacking on each other's lesson. Having a coach as a manager is also great because this manager can keep the teachers on track and check the teachers' progress. A problem that could arise from this is not having a dedicated coach. Teachers becoming competitive against each other is also a very scary problem.

Free up Fridays sound great. Perhaps my school will try.

I like the "Fee-UP Fridays" as well but maybe start with every other Friday and move from there? My school has this concept in place (with PLC) and the teachers eventually get comfortable with others being in their rooms. Especially when the feedback is positive.