Day 238: Observations

Today was the day I've been dreading about for the last couple of weeks at work. The day where I get OBSERVED for a full morning by one of the Bosses. Addie and Katie had their turn earlier in the week, and now it's my turn. Ever since my shitty review a few weeks ago I've been a bit insecure and unconfident at work, and today would be the day whether that would be professionally confirmed or not.

David (our R&D guy at work) sat in on all four of my preschool blocks today and just watched quietly while scribbling away on his pad of paper while I taught the ten little hellions known as The Parrots. The kids were up and down all morning. One minute they were all quiet and well-behaved, the next defiant and hyper-active. I did my best to keep the reins in hand and stay on track and I think it went fairly well overall. But David didn't say a single word *all morning long* and he's always got such a serious look on his face so who can really tell?

A few hours later in the afternoon, just before the elementary classes started up, I got my answer. David pulled me aside to have a chat and 'talk about the morning.' What a massive relief it was for me when I was given a primarily positive review! He had lots of compliments and good things to say about what he saw, and overall was very pleased with how I ran the class. He still had lots of suggestions and tips, but it was all constructive criticism and very supportive. Man, did I ever breathe such a huge sigh of relief! I feel like I've had this weight on my shoulders ever since that fateful afternoon of The Open House and finally today that weight was lifted off. I still have to work hard to improve the class for the next one, but at least I know that work doesn't think I'm a shitty teacher anymore! Yah! :-)