Teaching is hard.  It is hard during usual times and it is really hard during this unusual time.  But you are not alone.  All of us are feeling like this is uncharted territory…because it is.

A way to feel less alone is to see how our peers are wrestling this the same issues.  In the world of CDL, and of Canvas, we have a unique opportunity to observe each other virtually.  Being able to participate in a class, just as a student does, will widen your view and support your instruction.

WHY DO YOU WANT TO MAKE TIME FOR THIS?

• YOU CAN CHOOSE THE EXPERIENCE YOU WANT!
  1. Watch a department member’s WebEx? Yes!
  2. Watch a virtual session at a different site? Absolutely!
  3. Watch a colleague that is having success in a CDL or Canvas area you struggling with? Great idea!
  4. Watch an instructional method you want to try? (Graded discussions, high-level engagement, Jamboard, workshop or lab activities, ELL inclusion, etc.) Perfect idea!
  5. Read a Canvas unit that interests you? Engage fully with all available aspects (watch the videos, read the discussions, etc.) to see how the teacher is progressing through the content, what strategies are being utilized, how/when can the teacher see the students are engaged and learning?
  6. Is there are a content area or different level your are curious about? This is your chance to observe an elementary, middle, or high school teacher in our district! How are they navigating WebEx or delivering content in Canvas?

• WE WILL PAY YOU!
  • You can observe the teaching or Canvas work of two teachers.
  • You will be paid for one hour, for each observation.
  • You must observe the duration of the class, or engage with the entire unit.
  • Follow-up conversations are optional.
  • Please submit the following items to [email protected].  
    • timesheet
    • quick reflection form  

THE ‘DO’ LIST

• IF YOU ARE THE OBSERVER:
  1. DO arrange your observation ahead of time.
  2. DO participate in the virtual classroom as the observed teacher wishes (silent, participate as student, ask the student questions, camera on/camera off etc.) or DO read and consider the entire unit.
  3.  DO have a purpose or “look-fors” in mind before you attend the course.  You will be asked for it in the reflection.
  4. DO watch the entire lesson.
  5. DO make follow-up contact with the teacher you observed. (optional)

• IF YOU ARE BEING OBSERVED:  
  1. DO agree to have an observer in your class.
  2. DO communicate what you want the observer to do, and if there is anything in particular you’d like them to pay attention for. If your observer is reading a Canvas unit, DO provide some orientation about the class, your teaching goals, and how you are attending to the specific areas of struggle or success so far.
  3. DO teach your class as if the observer is not there. This is a chance for them to experience being a student, so let them have the full experience.