Teacher Evaluations

Overview

In this blog I am going to discuss my notes on the Teaching Channel Video we watched in class. I will then talk about my clinical feedback process followed by an overview of the process at my school for evaluations. I plan on comparing two approaches and then proposing elements on which I think I should be judged as a teacher. 

Teaching Channel Video Review

In this video I was able to observe a formal evaluation process for a new teacher at a high school. This observation happens four times a year and involves a pre observation meeting, the actual observation and then a post observation meeting. I think that the new teacher in this video conducted herself very well, especially with all of the expectations given to her for this process. She was required to take extra time to meet with an evaluator and then go over her planned lesson and objectives. Overall, the new teacher was very well prepared and handled herself exceptionally well given the pressures of managing her classroom, the lesson and having an evaluator in the classroom. For the post observation lesson, the new teacher was given a chance to explain her decisions, be self reflective and she was very open to constructive criticism. 

Clinical Feedback Process 

For my clinical feedback process, I feel that it bordered between formal and informal. I taught the class for the whole day while my mentor teacher observed. If there was a certain lesson she was observing for standard requirements, we would talk about it during a free period or after school. My mentor teacher and I had a great relationship and had a very open communication relationship. It was really great for my good days and my bad days. For tape recorded feedback requirements we would tape record what we had already talked about earlier in the week. I never felt the pressure of worrying about my job with evaluations. It was nice to have someone sit in and watch me teach because I got used to having someone there. Being nervous gradually went away and I was able to watch myself on recordings more and more as time went by. When I first started my clinical I was extremely nervous and took every criticism personally because I thought I was constantly failing. This was not the case at all and that is why I valued my experience so much. The feedback was all meant to help me and to help me grow as a teacher. This became easier to do as time went by and I think my clinical experience was perfect! 

Comparing Evaluation Approaches 

When comparing the first formal approach with what I experienced at my clinical school, there is a huge difference to be noted. In Oregon, at the Santiam Elementary School where I did my student teaching, when they hire a new teacher that teacher meets with the principal a few times informally and the principal will pop in at a scheduled time to observe a new teacher. There are no pressures and there is not a fear of losing a job unless it's warranted. Santiam is very laid back and the staff rely on open communication and the open door policy. The principal holds staff meetings every week and she has built a personal relationship with each one of the teachers at this elementary school. According to my mentor teacher, everyone is comfortable going to her about anything and they are open to her popping in to observe when she has the chance. This approach compared to the first approach is what I would want when I start a full time job. I totally understand the need to be formal but I also think this can impact the students in a negative way. If there are too many pressures on a teacher to perform and to second guess themselves, then this will eventually impact that teachers style in teaching. I believe there are better ways to go about evaluating teachers that are not as strict but also allow the teacher to feel comfortable and open with their evaluator. 

Proposed Elements 

As a new teacher, I would hope to be judged on how well I communicate with my peers and superiors. I would hope that I could build a great relationship with my fellow staff to where I felt comfortable welcoming evaluations and observations. I am open to constructive criticism and know there are always areas for improvement when it comes to teaching. I would hope that in my future, my evaluations could be a little less formal so that whoever is observing me gets to see the real me. If I feel that my job is on the line or if I feel that I need to be stressed and worried, then I know that will come across in an observation. I want to come across as comfortable and confident to both my students and anyone observing me. I really think there are ways to achieve this evaluation process and Santiam Elementary School utilizes this process and it really works out great for them and the staff. I hope to work in an environment like that someday.