The Dreaded Teacher Observation

In Are Teacher Observations Helpful? From @DavidGeurin Blog, David Geurin asks,

"Question: How are observations working at your school? In what ways are they helpful or not helpful?"

At our school, each teacher was formally evaluated every three years. Part of this formal evaluation was at least two unscheduled observations.  

I hated these with a passion! When an administrator walked in my room for an observation, I would stammer and shake. I felt like I was going to pass out!!

I knew that I was a good teacher and usually passed these with flying colors but I couldn’t help but get nervous!

I would warn my students about the observations and even asked them to help me get through it. They were usually surprised I felt this way and were quick to come to my aid. Of course it helps that I had a great rapport with my students.

Since I knew what was expected for the evaluation because we had forms that were used to evaluate us, I modeled all of my lessons so that I covered each item on the list. If I made a habit of doing what was expected for every lesson, it would become natural and not forced. Once my students saw what I had to do, they would make sure I didn’t leave any parts out of the process. I even wrote a lot of the process on the board so that they helped me cover everything. Eventually, I didn’t have to write the process out and the students let me know if I forgot something.

My problem with these type of evaluations is that I feel like I’m putting on a performance rather than real teaching. I’m so nervous and anxious that you wouldn’t think that I knew what I was doing.

Luckily I had a few administrators at my last school who knew I was a good teacher and was able to evaluate me without it seeming like a formal observation. I invited administrators to eat lunch in my room even if I was teaching because my room used to be an old home economics room. My room was equipped with 3 kitchens and 1 full refrigerator. Since my special ed class was so small, the administrators could eat in one kitchen and never disturb my class. It was during these times that they were able to see me teach and I was so used to them being there that I wasn’t nervous around them.

I wonder how many teachers get “dinged” for not doing things during these observations because they were so nervous they missed things. I don’t think it is a fair way to determine if a teacher is a good teacher or not.

I know many people are not in favor of cameras in the classroom but I think it would be a wonderful idea. I would not teach in a different style if an administrator was in the room or not but I would be more comfortable no knowing if I was being watched. I also think many students would be better behaved if they didn’t know if they were being watched.

So, I guess I don’t think observations are very helpful but I’m not sure there is a better way to evaluate a teacher. There aren’t enough administrators to go around and observe teachers as much as they should. Once a semester seems like a waste of time to me other than for the district to have some kind of documentation if they need to fire you.

How do you feel about teacher observations? Do you think they are helpful or not and why? Please share.

Monthly Review of Goals for January 2016

I had a very productive month in January. I worked out a lot and tried to eat healthier. I really worked on my goals too because I knew I would have to review them at the end of the month.

1.     Lose 10 lbs.

a.     As of 1/31/16 – lost 2 lbs.

2.     Spin 52 oz. of fiber 

a.     As of 1/31/16 – spun 12 oz.

3.     Use at least 5 skeins of my handspun 

a.     As of 1/31/16 – started on my Celtic Myths shawl with some purple fiber.

4.     Use at least 3 skeins from my stash that was bought in 2015 or earlier.

a.     As of 1/31/16 – one skein of Fishknits (Geek Socks)

5.     Knit 132 squares on my Mitered Square Sock Yarn blanket.

a.     January – knit 11 squares

6.     Walk at least 1320 miles. 

a.     Total as of 1/31/16 – 146.11 miles

7.     Name 3 things from the day before that I’m thankful for.

a.     Completed up to 1/31/16

8.     Write down one thing that my husband did the day before that I really appreciate.

a.     Completed up to 1/31/16

9.     Balance my checkbook, check credit card statements, and pay bills weekly.  

a.     Completed up to 1/31/16

10.  Try 12 new recipes. I have been making the same old stuff when we are at home and think I need to try to liven up our meals.  

a.     As of 1/31/16 – One Pot Mexican Skillet Pasta

11.  Work in my yard/garden at least 12 times.

a.     January - Picked up branches and limbs in the yard

12.  Read 12 non-fiction books.

a.     Voices in the Ocean by Susan Casey

b.     The Words We Live By by Linda R. Monk

c.     Life by the Cup by Zhena Muzyka

Investing in Students

In The 7 Devices of Transformation in Education from  Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Victoria A Davis, she states,

“There is no excuse — learn their names. Learning the names and calling the names of kids is an investment. We invest in relationships.”

It is hard for teachers to get close to students. There are many good reasons to keep our distance.  

·      Some students make false allegations so it is important to keep your distance.

·      When students fail, parents look to blame the teacher.

·      Students who are frustrated take it out on their teacher.

·      Administrators see failing students as a symptom of an ineffective teacher.

·      Communities have negative feelings towards the education system.

Yet, there are many great reasons to get close to students. By getting close to students, I am investing in a relationship with them.

·      I can get close to my students without sacrificing my reputation. I always meet with them in an open place or around other adults.

·      Getting close to students enables them to trust me. By trusting me, they are more willing to take risks in order to learn.

·      Contacting parents on a regular basis will help me work together with them. This teamwork will help the student be more successful.

·      When frustrated students take their anger out on me, I will not take it personally and continue to offer support.

·      Having a plan of action to help students will ensure that administrators are kept in the loop.

·      Sharing my students’ successes with others and working with the community helps to build a better reputation for the educational system.

I believe I want to use my energy to invest in my students. I want to know their names, their likes and their dislikes, as well as their strengths and their weaknesses. I want to do all that I can to help them be successful. Isn’t that why I became a teacher? If I’m not willing to invest in my students then it is time to think about a different career.

Do you invest in your students? If so, what do you do? Please share.