How to shake off when it goes wrong

[Bakingwithmyboys]

I should be used to this. It isn't the first time an observation has gone tits up. It is the first time in a good few years.

Bad lesson Obs today. Apparently I've been giving of "stressed" vibes for a week. Being a bit more shouty than normal. This is from my year leader who is also my job share. (She didn't observe me but was brought in during feedback to check I was ok).

Moving forward, my job share/year lead is going to team teach with me in that lesson for a bit. (She's SENCO so is in the building on the days I work) then I can redo the observation.

One main reason it didn't go so well was behaviour management. This is normally where I'm strongest so it is a big kick in the teeth. There is a particularly challenging child when it comes to behaviour. Maybe he's just wearing my down.

I need to get over it. Move on and up. I think I'm just struggling tonight.

I've had a shit day too.
No advice to offer, except that one shit lesson does not a shit teacher make

I'm sorry it seemed to go wrong today. It's hard when there is criticism as we always take it personally. Remember, though, it was just one lesson. Sometimes they don't go to plan. It doesn't mean you're a bad teacher any more than getting an 'outstanding' for a one -off lesson meant you were necessarily an outstanding teacher (back in the days of graded lessons). There's so much more to it than that.

Are you getting support with the challenging child? If SLT have noticed a 'stressed' vibe, have they tried to find out why and support you? Do you think team teaching is the answer or would you benefit from some other form of help?

For tonight though, take a deep breath, wallow in a bubble bath and try to put it behind you. It's done, and tomorrow is another day.

Be kind to yourself.

Thanks ladies. I'm calmer now.

I think this was the SLT making sure I was ok as they'd only noticed last week. It's also been pointed out to me by DH that as our own son has just gone through a school move in year 1 due to needing more of a challenge, it has been a stressful few weeks there.

As for team teaching, I personally hate it. It always feels like I need it because I'm doing a bad job. Whereas our school do a lot of team teaching as just a way of helping each other out. Due to me being part time though, I've not had a lot, hence why it's still a negative. I would rather it not be with my job share as although we get on, she's not the easiest person to job share with. I was lined up to do a few sessions of team teaching with another SLT member but they are now covering a teacher almost full time so they don't have the capacity at the moment. Still, it's happening first thing tomorrow morning so. Might as well partake and learn what I can.

Think I'm now at the onwards and upwards part.

MrsHamlet I hope you're feeling better too!

I'm glad you're feeling more positive. I hope it goes well tomorrow and is helpful for you.

I can totally understand why you feel the way you do- but it sounds like a tricky class, and the SENCO may be a great person to pick up some strategies from.

I think everyone is stressed- it's been a tough year, after all.

I would hate this on the back of one bad obs though- it just feels so punitive.

@Postapocalypticcowgirl

I can totally understand why you feel the way you do- but it sounds like a tricky class, and the SENCO may be a great person to pick up some strategies from.

I think everyone is stressed- it's been a tough year, after all.

I would hate this on the back of one bad obs though- it just feels so punitive.

You've hit the nail on the head there. One bad obs and they swoop in. The downside of not getting outstanding lesson observations in an outstanding school.

So I'm observing SENCo this morning and of course, the child doesn't have the issues with behaviour that were there in my lesson! Never mind, the team teaching isn't a one lesson thing. So I'm sure it will happen at some point.