Here's the link

Click here to sign up.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey=dDRZalp4WjJLelpEdW9sakpTVHlKOEE6MQ#gid=0

I loved the observations because it gave me a chance to see great things happening in other departments. Not only did I take away some great ideas, but I also was left with a greater appreciation for what other teachers have to do. I was able to observe Becky Shellhause and was amazed at how interactive our MHS Spanish classes are. When I was in high school, we never got to actively engage in learning the language. When I learned about a headache, I just memorized the word in Spanish. I didn't get to work in groups and wrap someone's head with a bandage and speak with other groups about how to fix his problem (but Becky's class did). So great!

Also, I felt like I tried to get more creative with my own lesson plans when I was being observed rather than just doing what I always do. I definitely think it was a positive experience all around and hope to observe several other teachers this year. In fact, I hope many others sign up for this so that we can have even more opportunities to learn from each other and to interact with other teachers we may never get a chance to work with.

In both observing and being observed I learned a lot. The conversations I had with Laurel LaFrance and Tiffanie Buckley brought new ideas and insights into my lesson, classroom management, and the teaching process in general.

On a side note, since both the teachers I interacted with were language teachers I have to say that I am incredibly impressed with the work that is going on there. The department seems very cohesive and all the instruction I have seen there is founded in good fundamentals and a desire to improve. I am learning a great deal from their work and I hope to get the chance to collaborate with them in the future.

I encourage everyone in the school to participate in the next round, it really is an energizing and eye opening experience.

I have also truly enjoyed participating in observations. It's been great to get out of my classroom and see what other teachers and parts of the building are doing. I appreciated seeing Bill Keck teach, how he sets up his classroom, presents information, and then how he has students work through figuring out experiments. I've also enjoyed seeing the signs and bulletin boards and decorations other teachers display.

Through being observed, I've also enjoyed the follow-up conversations of what I could do differently or additionally, as well as being reminded of things I do well. It's been great talking with other departments to hear what others are doing and see if we can't collaborate more. It was beneficial to have the door opened after being observed to share ideas. I look forward to continuing to observe and share in the future, as I think it can push us all to continue to improve and do even more awesome things for our students!