14 in 1

I was observing a colleague’s class this morning when I became so excited I was actually perched on the edge of my seat. A strong teaching aptitude is a hard skill to hone and I marvelled at what I saw. I was watching this man’s class as if I was a dog and you’d thrown me a bone. I want to be able to teach that way, too!

I’m certainly competent when it comes to schooling or I wouldn’t be asked to do what I do: every month, part of my time is spent observing 14 teachers (one at a time). I take notes, I meet with them to provide feedback, and then write-up evaluation forms. Although time consuming, this is the part of my job that I like best. It gets me very excited. I sit alone in a bleak, grey observation room that looks more like a detective’s dismal interrogation quarters and I watch classes through a small TV screen. I listen to my colleagues speak through irritating crackling noises. Still, I am fascinated. I smile, I frown, I cheer…I sometimes even get up from my seat in frustration…but, mostly, I applaud greatness. These 14 teachers come from so many different backgrounds. Some are younger. Some are older. Some have been teaching for a few years. Some are brand new, never having put themselves through this gruelling process before.

They are all incredible, and, lucky me, I get to learn from all of them.