Previous Month Question

Last Month Question was: What have you learned from the experience of being observed? Who observed you in what context?

Here is one teacher’s answer..
I have been observed for many years and many times in my long career, by adminstrators and colleagues in our school as well as university students and professionals for North Central Accreditation. What I have learned is that I am always a bit nervous with someone extra in my classroom--at first. I welcome them warmly, give them any paperwork that might help them understand what is going on (lesson plan, worksheet, etc.) and tell the students who they are (in Spanish, of course) and then get on with the day. I honestly get so wrapped up in what I am doing that I forget they are even there. One piece of advice, if you know ahead of time about the visit, don't try a brand new trick/activity that you aren't sure will work. You will probably be nervous about it, and it may not work.