Last week, I received an email from our "STAFFTRAC" which is our district's on-line teacher evaluation website. The email stated that starting on Monday (today), my principal would be popping in for an unannounced observation anytime from today-March 13th. At anytime, he would just pop in and come in. As I wrote earlier on my blog, I don't mind him coming in at all. Actually, I like when he does, because I am never nervous when he comes in to watch me teach and I feel like when he comes to visit, he learns things about Kindergarten. But, when you receive an email about an announced observation, first, it just sounds so formal, and secondly, that's just a lot of nervous energy to have for 10 days, until you know it's completely over.
So, today was day #1, and I was thinking there was NO way he would come on day 1. But when he walked into my room at noon, I was actually thanking the heavens and above, since I would just get it over with!
Today was Dr. Seuss's birthday, so during the observation, I read the book The Cat in the Hat,, pausing toward the end of the book, so the kids could talk with their "Rug Talk buddy," and predict what would happened at the end, and to talk about what was "in their heads." Afterwards, the kids wrote opinion pieces about how they feel about Thing 1 and Thing 2, and they did such a great job. I am so grateful tonight for so many reasons. I am grateful that my principal came in right away, that I was prepared with a good lesson (even though I never in my wildest dreams thought he would be coming today), and that my students rocked it out! I am grateful that I can put that observation behind me, and just focus on teaching, doing report cards and having fun this week with Dr. Seuss. Like I said, I like when my principal comes and visits and watches what we do. But it's so intimidating when he comes in with his head deep in his notebook, trying to write everything I am saying. There's no interaction on his part, so it just feels different and it's hard NOT to feel nervous.
Whoo Whoo, it's over!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Traveled the world as an expat in 2010 and 2011, only to return back to the United States, a stronger and a more global person. Trying to balance having a full-time job as a teacher, being a mom of 2 active kids, and being a wife. Learned so much about the world and different cultures, will I ever feel comfortable again in my own culture?
Hi, this sounds like a great lesson for observation. I wish you the best of luck.
ReplyDeleteMary-andering Creatively
YEA, it's over. It is different when they are there focused to do an observation. It's wonderful for you he did come the first day. Have a great week, now.
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