When is the last time you used your planning period to observe another teacher in your building? When is the last time you asked a respected colleague to observe your class and give some suggestions? I know that if I had someone observing my class that I would work to prepare a meaningful lesson that utilizes my strengths as a teacher. Should that be any different any other day of the week? What about observing another teacher? Think about the infusion of ideas that could take place following an observation of a dynamic teacher. Observing and being observed can only improve your skills as a teacher.
If you don’t think you’ll be inspired by observing another teacher, check out this video. This is a friend of mine who teaches students with significant disabilities at a school in New Orleans. Take note of the patience but also the high expectations this teacher has of her students. In a simple minute and a half of observation, I was motivated to strive for higher expectations in my classroom.
Today, I am making it my goal to observe a teacher and be observed at least once in the next two weeks. Will you do the same? Give it a try and see what you can learn!