On Classroom Observations

I really do not understand why some teachers fear and dislike being observed by their supervisor. 

I remember this particular teacher in the institution where I worked just before Xavier.  She was new to the profession and in the eyes of her supervisors (I was one of them) she needed a lot of coaching which can be done only after observing her in the classroom.  She was absolutely against the whole process and was even hospitalized as a consequence of her fear.  Eventually, she accused us her supervisors of harrassment because of the observations.

I feel that I am able to add something more to my teaching skills after each and every feedback giving and evaluation that stem from the classroom observation.  The reason for this attitude is my acknowledgement that I am not an education major.  As such, I can benefit from the skills and experience of those who are in charge of me for there is so much room to grow.  And my growth can happen only if I am able to realize where my weaknesses are as a teacher. 

An example of this is exactly my experience this year in Xavier.  I have been a teacher for a total of eight years now but I have been teaching different subjects in different academic levels in four different schools.  Each of the subject asks for a particular style of teaching as each academic level and school demand a particular manner of discourse.  For example, Philippine History in High School in the Ateneo can easily be taught using graphic organizers.  This style is hard to use in a college in Nueva Ecija because of the five-month time constraint, among other reasons.

I do not know how much longer I will be staying with the school but I know that I am a more effective teacher of literature after this year.  I will have these skills with me no matter where I choose to teach. This is not to say that I welcome with open arms the idea that I am going to be observed.  My heart would still skip a beat everytime I notice somebody sneaking in the back of my classroom.  I, however, have been able to see beyond this momentary discomfort.

I hope I do not soon eat my own words.