I’ve had my classroom evaluated several times this year, however, recently had my boss’ evaluation of my classroom. I was at first taken aback when she walked into the room, and found a chair to sit in for her observation, along with her clipboard. I could feel my heart skipping in my chest – and I took a deep breath.
I’m sure looking back that I was much better not realizing that I was going to be evaluated, than if I had notice of which day I was going to be observed. My evaluation included not only my own personal strengths and weaknesses, but also covered elements of my classroom – did I have the correct information present for other adults and parents, were my posters and child directed materials placed at a child’s eye level, were there adequate resources in the classroom for the students, etc.
Luckily, I was able to meet with my boss the following day to go over the evaluation and learn what changes needed to be made, and what practices in my classroom were working well and didn’t need to change. There were several areas that I had questions, but I felt relieved that the process went smoothly.
I do feel that if I was having a day that wasn’t organized well, or if I hadn’t taken time prior to my student’s arrival that day, that the evaluation possibly would have had more areas that needed improvement. Luckily, I’m a very organized person, and make sure that I leave the room in the order I would like for it to be the following day when I arrive – the same goes for weekends. While this final step in the day does take some time, planning, and motivation – it does help me walk into the classroom every morning and not feel rushed. As soon as my students walk in the door, I want my focus to be on them and the lesson I’ve planned for them.
I was given information at the beginning of the school year about how my classroom needs should be met, by the state, as well as for the school. I have the information tucked away- but admit that it isn’t something I’ve looked at since the beginning of the school year. Luckily, I had performed everything correctly and my assessment reflected the same. I would recommend that if you were given resources of this nature,that you continue to view them in the event that you make changes in your classroom that don’t maintain your school’s policies or requirements.
The largest piece of advice that I could give is to still run your classroom as you would when your boss wasn’t in the room. The children only view their presence as an opportunity to share with yet another adult. They get to share the information they’ve learned from the day, and provide another set of smiling eyes. Keep your composure, and make sure that you ask your evaluator what you did well, and what areas you could improve in. This time is important for us to be able to adapt and be better teachers with the guidance of our administrative team.
Cooperate with your management. Allow constructive criticism in without any negative feelings, and adapt so that your classroom can shine as the best that it can possibly be.
