As you swallow your pride you can feel proud that you are doing what a brave, conscientious worker does. In the end, you will have a higher rank than the complainers all around you. Because you saw the wisdom in being courageous, you will gain the respect of your workplace.
Getting fired is the big fear out there and it is a real possibility. If you get fired, make sure it is only after you have done everything you could do to be an asset to your employer. People change jobs everyday, especially now when companies are downsizing and restructuring. Get some books on finding your best work. What Color is Your Parachute comes to mind. Read them. Look at it as a chance to find something you are actually better at in the long run. If you get fired, be brave and be open-minded, but more than any of that, don't give up on your present job until you've completely worked with them to do what they want.
I hope I don't come across as callous or unfeeling. I have been in the "bad evaluation" camp before and it truly sucks. I can also say I have benefited greatly by humbling myself and trying to make the suggested changes as best I could. I firmly believe the process will improve anyone who goes through it, and I'd wager to say that a humble, sober attitude toward a bad evaluation will improve you more than a favorable "pat-on-the-back" evaluation ever could in these times of competition. Good luck at work, be teachable, and you will use your time wisely.
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Article comments
1 - Chris Bancells
If your tone here is any indication, I would hazard a guess that you work at a good school with good, positive administrators. A teacher myself, I have seen both good and bad uses of the evaluation process. I have both benefited and been injured, as well as seen it used to the downfall of more than one colleague.
I agree, there is plenty of whining in the American workplace, but not all of it is unfounded. There are plenty of administrators, both in and out of education, who use the evaluation as a weapon, and not always in an overt way. Subtle threats and shifting standards, which may not necessarily be viewed as unethical by an outside source, can make life difficult on employees. I have seen administrators suddenly pounce on people, exploiting an easily fixable situation to accomplish their own ends. In one particular case, there was no warning given, and rather than work with someone, already esteemed by colleagues, to help them become better, they summarily dismissed them.
I have to say kudos for writing the article and trying to inject a positive attitude into what is all too often a negative situation. However, I think it's important to realize that it is not always the employee creating the negativity.
2 - Damien Riley
Thanks Chris. I've been mulling your commment over in my head for a few days ...
I've been teaching for almost 10 years for 5 different Principals and I can attest that what you say about the abuse of the evaluation process is absolutely real. I have seen it and had it done to me, so understand that i agree with you there.
What I am trying to say to folks (not just teachers) is that focus is very helpful in mental health and stability. Going through a bad eval can really wreack that for people. If you can focus on it as a "what can I improve upon" and not a "they're out to get me" event, then not only will they have a harder time getting something on you but you will also be confident knowing you are there to be the best you can be even if they don;t like you.
Thanks for your clarification though, you are right that the teacher accountability system in public schools is highly flawed. For now, I guess the union and a positive spirit are our best defense.
Best.