9--Evaluate+Themselves

Teachers Evaluate Themselves My Marquette education taught me that evaluation is a critical tool in the learning process. Everything we did required a self-evaluation. I now use evaluations as an integrated part of every lesson. By analyzing what worked well and what needs improvement, I can be a better teacher every day. Humility allows me to know I can always improve. Even the most successful lessons can be tweaked to be more effective for the students. I view self-evaluations as an important way to practice the ideal of being a life-long-learner. Along with evaluating myself, I welcome colleagues and administrators to offer their feedback. Discussion and collaboration can broaden my perspective on the ways I am reaching the students. The teachers I work closely with know I will ask for their professional opinion on lessons. This type of collaboration is an excellent model of learning for my students.

One practice I have is rating each day on a simple calendar. This simple and quick evaluation of the day allows me to set goals and observe trends in the effectiveness of my teaching. By putting a number to each day, I can numerically see how I have viewed my teaching over the coarse of a week, month, or year. This practice also serves as a reminder to take the time to be a reflective practitioner.