Evaluation from Principal

[smarks82]

Hi all,

I am new to this board, and wanted some professional, unbiased feedback. I teach kindergarten, and its my second year with this grade. I previously taught 5th and 1st. So this would make for my 4th year overall.

My principal called me into his office yesterday to discuss my first evaluation of the year. It was a horrible experience. My two evals from last year were great, he had positive things to say about me, and my classroom.. Yesterday was nothing such as that. He had only negative things to say about my time management, teaching strategies, and overall made me feel like I was the worst teacher on the face of the earth. I have never felt so low, and so low as what I did yesterday. I cried for the entire 70 minutes that I was in his office. He also stated that he would be putting me on an action plan to effectively help me plan instructional time and activities. Mind you, this has never been an issue before.

I am concerned because I am leaving at the end of the year, due to a move to Georgia, and am scared to death that when a potential principal checks my references he will ruin my chances of getting a new job.

I am so upset because I have glowing remarks coming from my parents, team mates, and past principal. I have a meeting with my current principal on Monday at 8:00 a.m. I am just looking for feedback on what to say, and how to change this situation. Thanks for listening!

[Chef Dave]

The best thing you can do at this point is to review the action plan with your administrator. The action plan will detail what your administrator wants you to do to help improve your performance as a teacher.

Make sure you understand all of the elements in the action plan. If you have any questions, please ask.

The action plan should include another formal observation before the end of the year. Your goal will be to demonstrate improvement so that your next evaluation will be much more positive.

If you do this, your chances of getting a good recommendation will be considerably improved.

Demonstrate your professionalism by being visibly upset. It is hard not to take an action plan personally. During my 18 year career, I have been on an action plan just once. It was a difficult and challenging experience. Like you, I had plans to move on at the end of the school year. I knuckled down and applied myself and was able to move on without any apparent penalty with regards to administrative recommendations.

[smarks82]

Hi Dave,

Thanks for the advice. I am so upset about this, because I have everyone around me singing my praises, and then get
smacked in the face with this. I dont know what to do. I am just depressed because I feel like he killed every ounce of self esteem that I have as a teacher, which is a lot! I appreciate your help with this. What do you teach, if you dont mind me asking?

[mopar]

Definitely ask questions to make sure that you understand what the principal expects from you. Make some of the changes and ask the principal to come in again to see that you are working on becoming a great teacher. Continually check in with the principal to see if there is any other improvements he/she would like to see you make.
Don't take the evaluation personally. Think of it as an opportunity to grow and become the best teacher you can be. I know its hard to hear that you aren't great. But the feedback really should help you grow and improve your skills. Also ask about professional development opportunities in any of the areas that your principal thought you need improvement.

[Chef Dave]

What do you teach, if you dont mind me asking?

I am a high school culinary arts teacher. This is my first year back in education after having been away for six years.

I am also a former elementary teacher with 17 years of prior teaching experience in grades 3, 4, and 5. As an elementary teacher I have taught at inner city, suburban, and rural public schools. I have also taught at private schools in Saudi Arabia and Beirut, Lebanon.

[teach1027]

If you are amember of a union talk to a representitive and get them involved. Maybe have 1 present if possible at the meeting. Make sure you understand and follow everything in the action plan. I do have a warning: No matter what the principal may still give you a negative reference. I was in this same situation 2 years ago. I followed every part of my plan to the letter, and after I left the principal still gave me negative remarks. 2 years later I am still having problems from it. So be careful.

[kingrichie]

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[3rdgradeteach]

I would say....don't worry about this guy and when you move you have all those years of experience behind you. I would appease him/her as much as possible until the end of the year....which is coming very fast! That way you can still get a good reccomendation. You just can't please everyone...and how do they know about your class anyway? Are they sitting in on it?

[maridee]

Smarks--

Good luck! I wish you nothing but the best!

I have often wondered in my own situation [posted elsewhere under 'Ranting here!'] if my former principal has been d***ing me with faint praise. And that this has been the reason I've been unable to find another job.

I can't prove anything, of course... It's just a nagging sore spot with me.