Charmelle: New Teacher Evaluations

It’s only my first week back with my new students and I have already managed to catch a cold. Sore throat, sniffles, and lots of coughing—what a way to start the new school year!

Aside from being under the weather, the year is in full swing with lots to do. Planning, scheduling of services and meetings, as well as getting to know my new students. Although my plate seems full already, I just received an e-mail this past weekend requesting my schedule for observations and teacher evaluations. Which leads me to open up the discussion about teacher evaluations and how they work in different districts and some of the challenges new teachers face during this process.

Since I am only entering into my second year I can only reflect on my first-year experience. Last year in my district, we had a total of five observations that were done at different times throughout the year. The observations were broken down in the following way: three from my principal and two from district master educators. The master educators are seasoned professionals in the field of a content area, in my case it’s special education. Each of the observations last for about 30 minutes and only one of them could be scheduled in the beginning of the year to be done with my principal. 

This new school year none of our observations can be scheduled, among a list of other changes. I must admit it adds a lot of pressure of constantly being on top of everything at all times. As we all know from working in a school environment, no matter how well you plan, you are bound to have a day or so when things just don’t seem to go right. Trust me—I have been there and I am sure many of you have, too.

But, the biggest thing I learned from the evaluation process was utilizing the feedback provided from my observations to help me grow. I know at first this might be difficult to do especially if you have a rough observation or just feel completely bombarded with so much input and critiquing of how you are doing your job. But I guarantee approaching it with an open mind can lead you to further perfecting your craft as an educator.

I was so nervous during my very first observation that I fumbled a bit, but once I got over the extra set of eyes in my classroom and focused on my passion of just teaching my students, I managed to push right on through. So if you get a little nervous just remember why you are teaching and what you are doing it for and you will be just fine in the end.

My first observation was neither the best nor the worst, but it was the stepping stone in helping me improve. I used the feedback and resources to help me grow, and by the end of year I performed really well overall in my first year of evaluations. Please, know that in my district the observations are a good percentage of the how we are evaluated but we are also evaluated on for eligibility, IEP timeliness, and through a cumulative portfolio of data that shows growth or mastery on IEP goals and other student growth regarding the general education curriculum, as well as school community involvement.

I could talk so much more about teacher evaluations but I would like to hear from all of you readers about your experiences and how you utilized your feedback. I hope to come back and discuss this topic some more with you all. 

Comments

[Jannette]

I am going to begin to student teach hopefully in January. I am still waiting on a date. My dilemma is that I cannot work while student teaching and cannot find a job to suit the after school hours. This added stress is abundant but I do know that God would not have given me the tools to get this far and fail to give me what I need to finish the task. I am teaching children as a second career after unemployment a couple of years ago. While my belly gets nervous when I am observed, I had to stop thinking that the person was only looking to find what was wrong and then critique it. I had to learn to realize that they were looking at my skills and ways to help me develop other areas that would make better at my job. My own need to be the best I could be sometimes interfered with me doing the best job. I learned to realize that over preparing and overthinking something can be just as problematic as not thinking outside the box for solutions. I have learned to become solutions oriented and as such I hold whomever is observing to present me with solutions to whatever they find needs work. I also must respect my observer for being skilled at their craft. Right now, I am somewhat nervous because I don't know many of the interventions and strategies off the top of my head and don't know if I can speak the special education language fluently. While waiting to begin my student teaching, I am reading the CEC journals and learning how to apply common core to students with exceptional learning needs. This blog has been a tremendous help. I am over 50 and still have so very much learn.

[Jo]

I'm already getting nervous about being evaluated and observed in my student teaching, and I don't even start until January! But I become very self-conscious when I am observed, and I tend to talk very fast. I hope that I can get this under control by the time the evals start. But I must also keep in mind that I am a student teacher, and therefore am still learning. I know I must take the information I receive at the observations, and make them my strengths.

[Emily P.]

Charmelle-
Thank you so much for the blog post about new teacher evaluations. Throughout all of my education, as I am currently student teaching, my professors have touched on evaluations only a small handful of times. I know that, when the time comes for me to be evaluated, I will prepare a wonderful lesson with magical objectives and gracious self-reflection. As with any well planned lesson, something will go awry. That is the beauty of evaluation, however. Administration already knows that you are able to plan successful lessons (otherwise, they more than likely wouldn’t have hired you). They want to see your ability to adapt and go with the flow. You already know that you are able to adapt (otherwise, you more than likely wouldn’t have lasted in this profession and STILL enjoy it). Although teacher evaluations can be scary, as I can only imagine, Charmelle said it perfectly: “if you get a little nervous just remember why you are teaching and what you are doing it for and you will be just fine in the end.” Teacher evaluations are most important, not for the one doing the evaluating, but for the one being evaluated. It provides feedback to continually help develop you into a successful, top notch teacher.

[Hailey K]

I think a lot of time for student teachers/ teachers we have a hard time of taking the feedback during observations as advice and a "good thing." We should want to be constantly improving our skills as teachers and no one should receive 100% positive feedback, because there is always things we can work on. Myself as a current student teacher cannot relate completely, but I do appreciate your advice, attitude, and view point on this situation. I can say though that we should all feel nervous about evaluations and constantly want to perform at our best, because our students deserve to have us growing professionally to better benefit their learning at all times.

[Liz]

"So if you get a little nervous just remember why you are teaching and what you are doing it for and you will be just fine in the end." This line makes me want to cry with happiness. I am student teaching this year and I am notorious for being a 'nervous nelly' before getting observed. The fact that you have survived and succeeded it heartening and I am going to keep in mind what they statement means to me. Teaching is my passion, I have somethings to learn but I also have the abilities to prove myself and show that my passion is worth it.

[Jamie]

I have yet to experience teacher observations and evaluations as I am currently student teaching, so I apologize that I cannot comment on this experience. I do want to thank you though for detailing your thoughts on this area of teaching. It is good to know that each district may go about evaluating teachers differently. Thank you also for sharing that it is important not to let a "not so good" observation/evaluation get you down, but instead to keep an open mind and use the critiques to help you become a better teacher. Your blog, as well as the other new teacher blogs have been wonderful in offering me a glimpse into my future. I am hoping that by reading of your experiences, I will have a better idea of what to expect when I am on my own in a classrooom. Thank you again, Charmelle, for sharing.

[Kelsey]

I think it's really good that you keep a positive attitude while teaching.It's especially tough to keep a positive attitude when you are sick but important to remain positive. I'm a future educator and evaluations scare me. Thanks for the positive influence.

[Nicole]

Observations are always scary, especially if you are not comfortable with the observer. Though I agree with your statement of needing to remember what you are there for. These observations are to help us improve which will lead to the improvement of our students. I can totally understand how nerve racking it is to not know when you will be observed but getting the feedback from when you're not planning to be observed can be the best kind. Since you weren't planning on them observing you'll get real feedback instead of having your plans that you perfected for the observations. Feel better! I started off my student teaching experience last week with a cold and I still have it!

[Charmelle]

Hi everyone, My cold is still lingering around but thank you everyone for all the well wishes and support. It placed a smile on my face. I am loving all the wonderful input from everyone.

@Kristin, I have been drinking some tea and I have been restocking on my vitamins.

@Brenna, I totally agree nothing is predictable in the school setting but especially when we are working with our students with disabilities.

Good luck to all those of you who are starting your student teaching. You will do great and utilize that opportunity to really pick the brains of the veterans in the field.

[Alison]

Not a very fun way to start off the year being sick, hopefully it does not last long. I am just finishing up school and will be student teaching next semester and I know once I start I will be very nervous for when I am observed. It's never fun having your superiors watch your every move. Although I will be nervous I am will be anxious to see the review and find out ways that I can improve my teaching and help my grow.

[Kristin]

Not a good way to start out the school year by being sick! Remember what grandma would say gargle with warm salt water or drink warm tea with lemon or honey for a sore throat. A teacher I once worked with told me to take vitamin B and C everyday to help prevent from getting sick.
Being observed is never fun no matter how experienced you are. But like you said take a deep breath and remember the reason why you are teaching. I remember the first time I was being observed and how nervures I was but then I had to tell myself- “you know the materials, you know the students- you will be fine!” and I did great. So the next time you are being observed you will be even better than this last time. Continue the GREAT work that you do!!!

[Chandra]

I am currently two days into my student teaching experience in a DCD-S/P classroom. I can relate to being nervous about being observed and critiqued on how well you are doing in regards to your teaching. We also have to be observed for student teaching and I am nervous as can be. I have never worked in an S/P setting before and I feel like I have already learned a years worth of stuff in two days. I know that things will get better and I will be more comfortable in my skills as the days go on. I know that I personally need to work on taking feedback from others in regards to my teaching and this is something that I will continue to work on during the rest of my student teaching year. I think that you are completely right about "those days" that just don't go right and these are the days that I am worried that my supervisor will pop in during. I think that if you just let whoever is observing you know that things are going a little rocky, they will understand especially since they are working in the school. Something you can do is not be afraid to ask them for help or suggestions, this can take some of the pressure off you and even if you are nervous and it shows, it lets them know that you are willing to work to better your teaching and aren't afraid to ask for help.

[Brenna]

It seems like the life of a special education teacher is always filled with meetings, planning schedules, and running around the school trying to keep track of your students. Currently I am a student teacher and the students have only been in school two days - but I already understand how crazy it is at the beginning of the year. I am constantly being observed by my cooperating special education teacher, my university supervisor, and other professors. Whenever I am being observed I get very nervous and I'm afraid that I'll mess up. But the bottom line is that no one is perfect - people understand that not every day always goes as planned (especially in sped) and sometimes you just have to roll with the punches. I know that I'm a good teacher and that I just need to trust myself, rely on my experiences, and remember what I have learned over the years. I'm not going to know the answer to every question that students ask me, but I'll do my best to find out or direct them to someone who will know. I don't expect myself to be perfect or know everything, and I also hope that my colleagues believe that as well.

[Kaylee]

I am just finishing my DCD license. I think the attitude you have about evaluations is absolutely fantastic. I do not know that many people are as positive as you are. I obviously can't say, "I know how you feel", since I am not teaching. However, there is a lot of criticism in college as well, and I feel the same way. I try to take in criticism to better myself. It is a little harder to do if the person giving it is not too nice about it, but you can't choose that. I have also found that honesty is your best bet. If someone comes to observe you on one of the worst days possible, just be honest with them. Let them help you trouble shoot! They're veterans in the field, so I'm sure they know bad days. When I start teaching, I hope that I can keep the attitude that you have shown!