Teachers: Teacher of the Year questions

mquila2000 · May 2009

Before I begin, I want to say that normally I am a very modest, person. However, ever since I began teaching (and before) I've always had a goal of wanting to be teacher of the year. Ever since I started at my school 4 years ago, I've done more than the average teacher. I've done student council, GATE, made after-school programs, fundraiser, science camp, you name it. Well, again, this year I was overlooked. He gave it to someone who has less experience than me, and only does PTO.

I did fundraisers without much help when I was 9 months pregnant. I e-mailed and went into school during my leave to cover things that only I could cover. My class behaves well with me (5th grade), and was not good when I was not there.

Basically, I am asking if I should ask my principal questions along the line of what can I do to improve my performance or be a "teacher of the year" calibre type of teacher. Anyone been in situations like this? Suggestions? I've been pretty miserable all week. I have put my heart and soul into my job ever since I started.

CMDR513 · May 2009

I'd ask him/her on advice or suggestions on how to improve- I wouldn't add "teacher of the year" into the mix.

Erin&Rod · May 2009

At our school Teacher of the Year is voted for by all of the teachers. It's more of a popularity contest. Other schools in our county do it differently. It sounds like your principal chooses the teacher of the year at your school. I would do what pp suggested and ask your principal if there are any ways that you can improve. You sound like you're a great teacher and I commend you for doing all you do after having a baby. Since I had DS I haven't put forth nearly as much effort into teaching as I did before. I would also give it more time. Four years isn't that long to be teaching. Most of the teachers in my county who are selected for teacher of the year have been teaching for quite a while.

SportsLover · May 2009

In PA, we have formal observations yearly that are filed to the state. I'm assuming you have something similar to CA. At that time it would be a perfect opportunity to discuss your strengths and weaknesses with your principal. Perhaps you can talk to him about his expectations and your accomplishments too without discussing the teacher of the year award.

Smtih&co · May 2009

Teacher of Year is a political/ popularity issue at the schools where I've taught. What kind of evaluations do you get from you administrators? We have yearly evaluations where we get observed and then we have an exit interview where we really get to "sell" ourselves. This is completely seperate from Teacher of the Year. I'd think about my evaluations and if my admins think I'm doing a good job. It sounds like you are doing a great job, and as long as you are doing it because you want success for your students and your school, that will pay off and you will eventually get the recognition you deserve.

mquila2000 · May 2009

Thanks all. We get evaluated every other year if we are tenured, and since I am, there was no evaluation this year. The question is when do I ask him? Is it too obvious to ask if just last night there was a ceremony for those who retire, teacher of the year, etc. By the way, the person he gave it to has less experience than me.

aulrobbri · June 2009

Where I work, teacher of the year seems to go to whoever had the most personal drama that year. Or illness to themselves or death in family, etc. Definitely not something I want to work towards. Just remember-- you ARE teacher of the year-- to your students

Want a personalized experience?

Teachers: Teacher of the Year questions

Re: Teachers: Teacher of the Year questions

Choose Another Board

Search Boards