This blog post is all about teaching observation tips

Teaching observations can feel intimidating. Even teachers who have been around for years can still get a little nervous before an observation. But they don’t have to be scary, especially for new teachers or teachers in training. With the right preparation and mindset, you can not only survive but thrive during your evaluation. In this guide, we’ll explore practical tips to help you prepare, impress your observers, and manage stress throughout the process. Let’s make teaching observations a confidence-boosting experience rather than a source of dread. Plus I have added a bonus kids yoga freebie that I use in my classroom as a brain break to help get students settled and in the mindset of learning before an observation. Here are some teaching observation tips that helped me a lot during my first observations.

Why Teaching Observations Matter

Teaching observations are an opportunity to showcase your skills and gain valuable feedback for professional growth. Whether it’s a lecturer, mentor teacher or principal, they are there to help you! They help administrators understand your teaching style, assess your classroom management techniques, and identify areas for improvement. While the stakes may feel high, remember: observations are a tool for growth, not a test. Although it doesn’t feel like this sometimes, once you have this mindset in your head, observations are a little less scary. Check out these teaching observation tips.

Step 1: Prepare Like a Pro with These Teaching Observation Tips

Preparation is key to feeling confident during a teaching observation. Here are some things that you should do before a teaching observation to help you feel more prepared:

Understand the Purpose
I always find it helpful to know why the observer is coming into the classroom. Is it to see a particular lesson, skill or just to see how you’re going? If the observation is more formal, ask to see the rubric or checklist your observer will use. Familiarise yourself with the key areas they’ll focus on, such as instructional strategies, classroom management, and student engagement.
Plan an Engaging Lesson
Choose a lesson that highlights your strengths and aligns with your students’ needs. Include hands-on activities or collaborative learning opportunities to showcase student engagement. However please do not change up your usual classroom routine, the students won’t respond well and the observer will see right through it.
Organise Your Materials
Ensure all lesson materials, handouts, and technology tools are ready to go. Having a backup plan for potential tech issues can also help reduce any unnecessary stress.
Practice Makes Perfect
Rehearse your lesson beforehand. Don’t just go over the exact lesson with your kids but think about transitions, timing, and key explanations, This can help you feel more confident on the big day.

Step 2: Stay Calm and Confident During the Observation

Managing stress during a teaching observation can be challenging, but these strategies can help:

Settle the Students
I like to make sure my kids are in a good head space and ready to learn before an observation. Have a quick brain break, go for a short run or use this free kids yoga PDF to help get students settled
Focus on Your Students
Shift your attention away from the observer and towards your students. Engage with them naturally and respond to their needs as you would on any other day. Try to forget that the observer is even there.
Be Flexible
If something unexpected happens—like a technology hiccup or a student question—stay calm and remember that lessons rarely go perfectly. Observers value your ability to problem-solve on the spot. This can often showcase how good of a teacher you are!
Maintain Positive Energy
Enthusiasm is contagious. When you’re excited about your lesson, your students will be too, and your observer will notice.

Step 3: Reflect and Grow After the Teaching Observation

Post-observation reflection is key. Use this time to learn and improve:

Listen to Feedback
Approach feedback with an open mind. Even constructive criticism can be a valuable tool for professional growth. It’s easier said than done but remember the mindset of the observer is just trying to help.
Ask Questions
If something in the feedback is unclear, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. Understanding your observer’s perspective is essential.
Celebrate Your Wins
Take a moment to acknowledge what went well. Highlighting your strengths can boost your confidence for future observations.
Set Goals for Improvement
Identify one or two actionable areas for growth based on the feedback. Create a plan to work on these before your next observation.

Final Thoughts

Teaching observations are a normal part of your professional teaching journey, and with the right preparation, they can become a valuable tool for growth. By focusing on preparation, managing stress, and embracing feedback, you can turn observations into great opportunities.

Remember: your skills as a teacher isn’t defined by one lesson. You’re making a difference every day, and your passion for teaching will always shine through.

Have any tips for surviving teaching observations? Share them in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!