How to Ace Your Formal Observation

Nothing strikes fear in the heart of a teacher more than a formal observation. 

You’re exhausted from all the hours you spent creating the perfect lesson plans. 

You’re waiting anxiously with a dry mouth and sweaty palms for your principal to walk through the door.

And there’s this sound of a clock ticking inside your head that you just can’t get rid of, no matter how hard you try.

Are you stressed out yet? Because I sure am!

But no need to panic, because, as always, I’m here to help!

It doesn’t matter if you’re a new teacher or a seasoned veteran, formal observations will always get those butterflies in your stomach going.

But that doesn’t mean you should let those butterflies ruin your day.

Instead, listen to this episode, and discover my top tips for a stress-free observation, as well as all the pitfalls to avoid.

Are you ready?

Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways:

Discover my tips for a stress-free observations (00:00)

Let’s go back to the nineties! (02:34)

The pitfalls you need to avoid (03:02)

What you should do (05:47)

Three things you need to focus on (07:45)

An example of a successful lesson (10:00)

Let’s focus on the things that are out of our control (14:49)

What to do if your observer is inexperienced (19:23)

Additional Resources:

- Got a burning question for Vanessa? Get your answer on the Elevating Early Childhood podcast here.

- Visit our website to find tons of pre-K teaching resources here.

- Get my book “Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers”.

- Learn more about my exclusive mentorship program, “Teaching Trailblazers”.

- Get the Complete Fairy Tale bundle here.

- Get the 3 Little Pigs lesson plan here.

- Get the Picture Schedule Cards and Classroom Rules here.

- Get the 3 Little Pigs book list here.

Elevating Early Childhood is an early education podcast dedicated to helping Pre-K, Preschool, and Kindergarten teachers teach better, save time, and live more.

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