Rant Session

Ok, first, my bad! It has been awhile since my last post. I've been consumed, very consumed.
If you don't know already this year is, overall, the craziest year of my life. I won't list it all, just the one that has been an overwhelming weight on my shoulders this last month. This is my big year for teaching...I'm going through the "official, lots of bullshit" evaulation year where people who don't know me walk into my classroom at random moments & observe me & breakdown every little thing about my teaching. This bugs the shit out of me!!!

I've determined over the last year that I'm a control freak when it comes to my career. I'm a teacher, and I'm a damn good teacher. I'm organized, controlled, knowledgeable, & I can control a large mass of hormonal wild-hair up the ass middle school children while still teaching them a thing or two. Last year, my first year teaching, I was #1 in the school when it came to the number of students who passed those wonderful state-mandated standardized tests that gauge whether the students are actually learning (that's another rant in itself). Overall, I do a damn good job.

Well, now comes the time for my evals. The first one I got was from one of my administrators at my school. She is new this year & handles the 7th grade so we don't have much communication between us & I have no idea what she looks for when it comes to teacher "worthiness". Luckily, she liked me & my lesson. She had fun in class and learned; "[I] modeled trust, fairness, and courtesy to all students". Very cool!!

Now, the very next day, in walks in my District "Teacher Leader". I have all my ducks in a row &, in my opinion, the only glitch I have is a dumb-ass student who decides to act a fool all class period when he NEVER acts this way. I handle it though, I handle it well. I take everything is stride because I have confidence in my ability...well that's until I get the evaluation back. This "teacher leader" must have had a shitty day because she was nit picky. I freak out -- I can't help it. I am an over-achiever at my job & I have no shame in saying it. This woman has knocked out my confidence. Let's run through some of the nastiness from the person who has no clue as to what middle school is about, shall we??

The ticket-out-the-door in the written plans was also different from the one used.
There were no other accommodations for rates of learning
Student repeatedly said he needed more time regardless if he needed it or not
The lesson was not differentiated
Workbook pages were not torn out ahead of time...A loss of instructional time was noted here and, also when the teacher called the students up to look at their grades.
The teacher also stepped outside the door, closing it behind her, leaving the other students unattended.
Table of content pages in the portfolio must be completed.

Ok, I could sit here & make my case on every one of these points, but why should I?? I don't need to justify my actions when I create damn good lessons, entertain my students, maintain an aura of respect, & DO MY JOB VERY WELL, UNBELIEVABLY WELL!!!

So, I got over it, I took a couple days for my bruised ego to heal but I realized something...who gives a shit?? Well, right when this realization comes about...in walks my 3rd evaluator in first period nonetheless, the time when I work out my kinks...every lesson has some kinks in it. So first period, I find those kinks & tweak for later. Ok, so that bruised ego comes back & I am a little freaked out after he leaves my class. I get no clues off of him, I know nothing. So of course, I am wigging a little until that eval comes in.

I got that eval this morning & all I can say is THANK HEAVEN!!!!! I'm not deluded...I do know what I'm doing!!! I needed an ego boost after a little bruising session. Let's see what was said(I actually don't care if you read it....I just needed my bit of vindication):

Higher order thinking skills were evidenced
teacher was well versed in the use of the Promethean Activboard and supporting software. She used it to enhance the class instruction very efficiently.
The knowledge displayed by the teacher was accurate and timely, using various technologies to view current earthquake data and fault lines
The teacher expected all students to perform and encouraged them in the class tasks
Differentiation was seen with individual students in open classroom management and classroom differentiation was observed in the various ways the whole class instruction took place
The teacher allowed students to communicate with each other during various “seat” activities while still maintaining in total control of the class
The teacher was well prepared for the class while still adjusting method and style when needed
The class was very organized and the students seemed to know the class procedures very well.
The room is a very bright and pleasant environment
Students were well versed in classroom procedures with little reinforcement needed from the teacher.
When questioned by a student as to whether all faults have names she was not afraid to simply say she did not know. She stated they would need to do further research to answer the question.
...small “interruption” was handled very smoothly with no class interruption...
The teacher is well versed in scientific language and used proper terms throughout the lesson.
The number of meetings and conferences, including summer workshops, showed a clear pattern of collegial work
This teacher looked and dressed like a teacher. She is very professional, neat, and carries herself with dignity, while not being aloof or unapproachable. She was friendly and courteous to all the students without appearing to be “one of them”.
This teacher’s portfolio showed several professional activities and experiences that enhance her ability as a teacher.

Ok, so it's a long list...it was a good eval. It was such sweetness!!! I actually hold this in such high esteem knowing who my evaluator is. Let's just say, 20 year science teacher turned Instructional Coach for one of the best schools in the District...YAY!!!

I had to rant, I needed to rant. I've come to terms with my issues when it comes to my career. My good friend tells me I just need to "let it go" -- I know I do, I just am a perfectionist when it comes to my job. Is that such a bad thing???