First Observation!

A few weeks ago our director told us that she would need to come and watch one of our classes to monitor our teaching style and to make sure that we were doing an okay job. This makes perfect sense, but it also made me very nervous! I think what I do in the classroom is effective and worthwhile but I did not know if anyone else would think so. Also, I have never been observed by a professional educator before. Fortunately, she allowed us to pick which class we would like her to come to. I chose for her to come one of my third grade (senior) classes on a day when they were doing a participation grade, where they are graded based on how much they speak during the class period.

Today was D-day. When I woke up I wasn't feeling too nervous, but by the time I was about to walk to the classroom my heart was racing and I could feel my hands shaking a little bit. As nervous as I was, I think my students were even more nervous! They are usually a very talkative and energetic bunch, but today all they could manage to say at the start was, "We are very shy today." I assured them that it was okay to be nervous and that today was just like any other class. They eventually warmed up and starting talking at their usual level. As the class went on, they did an excellent job of speaking and overcoming their nervousness, and the more they relaxed, the more I relaxed. By the end of class, I was so proud of how they did and felt good about myself as well.

Thankfully, my director approved of the class and was pleased with how much the students were talking. She was glad that they felt comfortable enough to share with me and with the class. I know that today I succeeded because of my students. Of course, there are days when classes go poorly and I come home defeated. But I know that I am still learning how to be teacher, so I have to forgive myself for my mistakes and let go of my frustrations. But I don't feel that way today. Today was a good day.

Blessings,
Colleen