Teachers Observing Teachers: Everybody Benefits

Teachers Observing Teachers:
Everybody Benefits

First, I would like to thank everyone for welcoming me into the Lead Teacher position.  It has been a whirlwind 3 ½ weeks.  I am enjoying the times when I am able to get into classrooms, see awesome learning going on, and view your great hallway displays.  I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it all in my new role.

As I travel the campus, I have been reflecting on my own teaching.  I have seen so many great strategies and activities that I wish I had used in my own classroom.  To that end, I encourage everyone to get out and walk around other hallways to see what is happening.  Call a colleague and arrange to visit one of their lessons during your planning time.  I know that you will be impressed and will find something useful to use in your own classroom.

I recently found educationworld.  It is an online resource where you can find quality, in-depth articles, news briefs, lessons, and resources.  It also has a library of professional development columns, including an article titled, “Teachers Observing Teachers: A Professional Development Tool for Every School.”

The article quotes several educators, administrators, and researchers.  However, what I found most interesting was how it related so well to what I have been feeling as I am interacting with our amazing staff.  …“teacher observations that serve as vehicles for professional growth rather than performance evaluations have multiple benefits -- for teachers, administrators, and the school. More and more, administrators and teachers are viewing peer observation as a form of collaborative professional development. This kind of observation can yield its greatest benefits when used as a means of sharing instructional techniques and ideologies between and among teachers.”

I thought I would share some of the benefits of observation, and if you get a chance, read the article at http://www.educationworld.com/a_admin/admin/admin297.shtml

Teachers benefit from:

*	an opportunity to engage in reflective dialogue about their work.
*	the focused classroom support.
*	improvement of classroom practices.
*	support from an "expert" (peer) who understands the daily demands of the classroom.
*	satisfaction with one's work.
*	reduced job stress, especially for the new teacher.
*	a welcoming atmosphere for new teachers.
*	the comfort of knowing that someone is available to help, explain, and assist.

Administrators benefit from:

*	the opportunity for reflective dialogue with and among teachers.
*	an increased sense of shared responsibility.
*	an increased focus on student achievement.
*	an increased trust and collegiality among staff.
*	participation in a professional and collaborative learning community.
*	a cadre of self-reliant, confident teachers who love teaching.
*	enriched teacher efficacy
*	participation in a professional and collaborative learning community.

The school benefits from:

*	increased collaboration among teachers.
*	the establishment of a professional learning community.
*	an increased focus on student achievement.
*	enthusiasm for the teaching profession.

Weekly Reminders:

Monday: 1st and 4th Data Day

Tuesday: Mr. Vernon Off Campus/ Kinder and 5th Data Day

Wednesday: 4th and 5th Writing Practice

Thursday: FLM @ 7:35/Volunteer Training/Cornelison - CHEC Field Trip

Friday: PPC