Teaching evaluations can be an effective tool for teachers and administrators who want to identify strengths and weaknesses in the classroom and lead to positive change. Effective teachers will often receive evaluations highlighting their accomplishments and incorporating a few suggestions for strengthening their practice. But when a teacher gets a negative evaluation, it can have a demoralizing effect and even hurt her career. Learning how to recover from a poor teaching evaluation can help teachers use the information constructively to get their careers back on track.
When reading through a negative teaching evaluation for the first time, or leaving a negative conference with an administrator, take time to digest the information and process your emotions. Don't act rashly by placing an angry call to your teacher's union or immediately corralling colleagues to badmouth the administrator who issued the evaluation. Calm down and step away from the situation. Think about going for a walk around campus or pausing for a cup of tea.
Advertisement Article continues below this adGo through the negative teaching evaluation objectively. Chances are, you missed some positive feedback. Make a list of the categories where you are currently performing well, and the items that have been identified as growth areas in your teaching practice. As you review the negative feedback, identify the topics which you feel genuinely could be opportunities for improvement. Work to improve your performance in these areas and document ways you have met those objectives. For example, your evaluation might state that you don't communicate with families often enough. Provide a track record of email, in-person or telephone communication with parents to demonstrate that you have worked to improve your performance in this area.
Demonstrate your competency by reaching out to administrators. Invite them to return to the classroom for additional observations -- and, perhaps, a follow-up evaluation -- where you can better demonstrate your abilities. Identify a potential teaching mentor, ask for support in achieving your teaching targets, and let the administration know that you have taken this proactive step. If you feel your evaluation has been unfair, ask whether you can write a response to the original negative evaluation that can be included in your file. If necessary, contact your teacher's union if you suspect that the evaluation was a result of personality conflicts or something else outside of your actual performance. They might be able to provide information about filing a formal grievance.
Advertisement Article continues below this adFocusing on the positive qualities of your teaching performance can reinforce your self-confidence and remind you why you became a teacher. Take time to appreciate special teaching moments with your students. Other veteran teachers might have had similar experiences. Ask trusted teachers how they have dealt with similar situations and regained their confidence.
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