Is it possible to be a 'scribe on the side' rather than a 'sage on the stage' as a modern teacher?

[SandyBeachandtheDeckchairs]

My latest observation has told me to work on my teacher presence, and that I need to be more 'out there' and theatrical when teaching. The only problem is that I'm not really like that. I'm more of a supportive type who inspires from the side rather than the performer at the front of the room. My style seemed to work on my Y5 placement class, and I did really well, but my current position in a new school with a younger class it has been flagged up as a problem. So, I'm wondering if a) I need a personality transplant or b) that I would be better off working with older kids or c) (how I felt at the end of yesterday) maybe I'd be better off doing something else!

Different people are suited to different age groups. I'm KS1 and have been for ten years. I love being all dramatic and getting them excited! I'm not great at KS2 and being more serious!

Don't beat yourself up. We all have our own teaching style. Are you training or qualified??

Just remember that the observer has to pick SOMETHING. Everyone teaches differently, another observer may have written s different target. That said, whilst training you have to do everything to the letter so you must work on the 'presence' to appease the mentor. Once you are established, if the kids are progressing and enjoying your 'quieter / less showy' teaching style, stick with it. Dont be too disheartened. I have been observed by ofayed twice doing exactly the same interactive showy lesson - one inspector loved it and one said I should have stopped the lesson and made them do theory.

I also need to proof read before I post! Sorry.

Sometimes you need to be a performer. I remember trying to explain "willing suspension of disbelief" to a Yr10 class (years ago now) by saying that if they could see an army creeping up a hill disguised by branches instead of a fat old teacher and a couple of kids hiding behind the desk with camouflage jackets then that was a willing etc.
Younger kids respond to the dramatic, think about your voice when reading a story, intonation is everything. You can't just stand at the front and talk with young kids you need to be demonstrating, joining in and giving lots of visual stimulus.
(35 years a teacher)

Thanks thegreylady I thought I was being theatrical, because I do really love getting them enthusiastic about the lesson, but not enough apparently! and thanks ohhelp I hadn't really thought of that but that's a good point. Smiling I think the observer felt that I didn't make my presence felt enough in the lesson, so I have to work out a way of doing that.

I am a trainee, so I guess it was to be expected, but it felt very personal, and like I need to start am dram training!

That's ridiculous! Your training! You need time to develop your style, confidence etc. Take it on the chin and chalk it up experience of the stupid comments you will receive during feedback!

I think sometimes observers are judging you against their own style of teaching and this is v unfair. There are obviously different personalities and whilst the over dramatic, funny teachers are often lauded as great performers, it isn't always the case that they suit all children or even that they always get the best academic results. I would give this comment a bit of thought and focus on how you encourage and motivate the children but then move on and forget all about the changing your personality stuff. If it comes up again, I would ask the observer to give you some concrete examples of what exactly they would have you do, rather than give vague comments about your style or personality.

Yes Cansu I think you're right, observer is very much a 'performer' type, and thank you Pengggwn too. It's all making me a bit paranoid, so need to move on.
Teaching is a really hard in ways you'd never imagine from the outside isn't it.

It's one person's opinion and probably a reflection of their teaching style. I've seen some amazing theatrical style teachers I've also seen amazing quietly spoken calm teachers. No one style is perfect and not all children respond to the dramatic so it's not the way to be. My son likes calm teachers as he finds school quite stressful and they help him feel less anxious.

Too many observations reflect teaching style whereas the observer really should focus on whether the children learnt what was being taught.

Have a look at the pasty rodenberg you tube clips on YouTube for some thoughts on presences- second circle. It may give you some ideas.

Im in the same position- I find it really hard to be a performer. Makes me uncomfortable and I worry that I just come across as lacking energy and confidence. Both true probably! Lots of kids/ classes respond well to steady and less showy support.

So how do you manage graffitti?

Fuckem!
And I say that with 20 years experience. The only time I got that feedback was when someone couldn't think of anything better to say. So lesson content/learning/behaviour etc were all good.

I had 2 teachers while training that I found inspirational and I aspire to be like them. Calm and quiet. I get complimented by the SMT on my calm, firm and fair manner, so at least they don't mind that I'm not too showy.

My class never seem to mind either!

Been teaching 6 years and it took me a long time to learn that it's fine not to be a performing monkey at the front of the classroom. I was constantly picked up on not being 'theatrical' enough and was always told 'fake it til you make it' but I don't need to resort to pantomime to be a good teacher. Sure you don't either, OP!

I think you have picked up on the theatrical when actually the important part is your teacher presence. Do you portray that confidence that it is your classroom, you are in charge and no matter what happens everything is 'ok' that young children need to feel safe in a busy environment. How is your behaviour management? when you are teaching is it obvious who is the teacher and who is TA's?

Not sure sandy beach! I think I just make sure that I crank it up a bit for observations, but the rest of the time be myself and spend as much time one to one as I can- which I find much more natural. Kids are all different and schools should encourage staff with different styles of teaching. One size doesn't fit all. Have faith in yourself!

That's an interesting point helpful. There is no doubt I'm in charge but probably in a more maternal way than teacher way. I often have a line of children following me around so am doing something wrong. I'm giving off the wrong vibe I think and need to adjust that somehow: