Unless I’ve missed my guess, we are approaching the start of observation season. While going into classrooms to see amazing teaches light the fire of passion in their students has to be one of the best things about being a Principal, I also know that observation season also includes lots of tedium – like signatures, checking boxes, and organizing schedules. That’s the stuff none of us would choose to do, I think. Nonetheless, we have an opportunity to do two specific things when we observe teachers: observe relationships and build relationships.
In North Carolina, the “meat and potatoes” of the NCEES system is Standard IV – it’s all about instructional methods. It’s long and contains a variety of indicators to see whether learning is taking place. Oftentimes, that’s where many of us place our attention in both the observation and the post-conference – but I’d encourage us all to slow down and spend some time observing the relationships that exist within each classroom you walk into. What does the class feel like? How well does the teacher engage the students about their lives? Is there a healthy, productive hum to the class or have the students fallen silent? What do the students say when you pull up a chair and sit next to them? The answers to these questions, I’d argue, give you just as much knowledge about the learning taking place in the classroom as anything.
Just as important, a post-observation conference with a teacher is dedicated time when you get to sit down and give them both encouragement and feedback. Oftentimes, that’s all we do. But, there’s a much greater opportunity there if we are willing to take hold of it – it’s an opportunity to build relationship with our teachers. To really listen to them about the choices and decisions they made, as well as to spend some intentional time checking in with them. How are they doing? How are things on their hall or in their department? How’s their family? Are they taking care of themselves? In general, are they happy? Is there something you can do for them? You get the idea. 😊
As always, thank you for the selfless work you do for your communities. I’m honored to know you.
Choose to be Great!
Angelo
CHOOSE TO BE GREAT 