Observations

I can think of nothing more anxiety provoking than an observation of my teaching. The very intention of the authority figure in the room is to judge and criticize you. You must sweat in front of the 30+ kids in the classroom for an hour while that person sitting in the back scribbles furious notes down on their paper, scowling. They are always scowling. Are they scowling for effect or to disguise how they really feel? I don't know, but they are always scowling. Are they scowling at you? At the kids? At an event that occurred prior to their arrival that has tainted their whole day?? How can you know? All you see is a frown sitting there, judging you, waiting for their opportunity to reveal their observations, the good, the bad, and the ugly, regarding every detail of your lesson, your style, your speech, your examples, your teaching, your demeanor, and your perceived ability as a teacher. It is downright torturous.

I have three observations in a row this week. I thank you in advance for any positive energy you can send my way from approximately 8:40-9:33 for the next three days.