If you prepared well for your class and lessons, then there is nothing you need to worry about. The thing that most teachers worry about are out of their control like student behavior. But most administrators know that already. In fact, if you put up with the student behavior in class, it just means that you are not referring the student to the administrators because they don’t want to deal with it any more than you do.

I usually like the observer to make constructive comments. I don’t like someone just coming in to my class because they have to and make petty comments. I rather for them to be constructive, which will help me and my class.

Ive had good and bad experiences with observations. I am of the belief that any administrator should be able to come in at any time. I have a standing “please come by” offer to admins, and any new teacher at the school.

The good: some administrators really do want to help with constructive criticism. I have had many a good conversation about what is working, and what needs to be fixed.

The bad: indifferent administrators are there too. Ive had some come in and disrupt the goings on, or make suggestions that seem off.

honestly the best observations and feedback come from the students as they are there every day.

I believe a lot in classroom observations. As teachers we are too often isolated in our own worlds and don’t often have another adult’s opinion. Having someone else in the room allows them to see a different perspective than you. They may have different ideas about how to deal with behaviours, or notice students who are not getting the most of the lesson. The most important part of classroom observation is that the person coming into your room has to be someone you trust and it has to be a mutual decision.

They are important, but they do make me nervous. At the same time, I’m not sure how accurately the observer’s picture is when an observation is scheduled because the teacher is “on” and ready to perform. I’ve usually prepared my students as well. Not “threatening” them, but gently reminding them what my expectations are.

In reality, I’ve never had a bad observation, they seem to be more “one of those hoops” we have to jump through. The problems is, I’ve never known ANYONE to get a bad review. Occasionally, it would be nice to be told something to work on, but I don’t think the observer enjoys it much either.

I’ve been a self-contained special ed. teacher for 25 years and most of the administrators I’ve worked with have no idea what I do or why I do it. I personally don’t believe in “observation”, I tell my principal, if you want to know what I do, come on in and participate! I invite administrators often to help with a project, or to be a “judge” in a class competition, last year I did a bird unit where the kids had to go to different stations and use different tools to demonstrate how birds eat and I asked the principal to come in and do it too and be our “celebrity” bird for the kids to compete against. I don’t think someone can just come in my class, sit down and take notes and then know what and why I’m doing something. With my special kiddos, you have to understand them and their needs before you can know why I use the methods I use.

I don’t mind them. I like administrators who are constructive. At our school, we do peer observations so we can model for new teachers or teachers who would like to see the different ways lessons are implemented.

It’s important to have another person see you because they will see things you are not aware of that are going on. I’ve been on both sides the observer and the observie and it’s been helpful both ways

My experience as a recently retired elem teacher is that it freaks the teachers out. I didn’t bother me because I wanted to improve, but teachers never have anyone watch them and I think they should have follow up and help and not just be turned loose.

I like it because I was a first year teacher last year and I liked getting help. But it is nerveracking because you feel like you’re getting judged at first and anytime anyone does anything wrong you get a little panicky.

As a principal, I really appreciate the above answers.