1. Understand the Requirements:
* Review the form: Carefully examine the appraisal form provided by your school or district. Identify specific areas for reflection and the required format (e.g., narrative, bullet points, quantitative data).
* Check the timeframe: Determine the period covered by the appraisal and gather relevant data from that time.
* Identify key performance indicators (KPIs): Understand the specific criteria your school uses to evaluate teacher performance (e.g., student achievement, lesson planning, classroom management, professional development).
2. Gather Evidence:
* Student work samples: Collect examples of student work demonstrating growth or mastery of concepts.
* Lesson plans and assessments: Include evidence of well-planned lessons, differentiated instruction, and effective assessments.
* Student feedback (if permitted): Anecdotal notes, surveys, or comments from students (always anonymized and with appropriate ethical considerations) can provide valuable insights.
* Parent feedback (if permitted): Similar to student feedback, anonymized parent comments can highlight strengths and areas for improvement.
* Observations: If you've been observed by colleagues or administrators, note their feedback and reflect on it.
* Professional development activities: Document any professional development undertaken and its impact on your teaching practice.
* Data analysis: Use student achievement data (e.g., test scores, grades) to support your reflections. Avoid simply stating numbers; analyze trends and explain the factors that may have contributed to the results.
3. Structure Your Appraisal:
* Start with a strong introduction: Briefly summarize your overall performance and highlight your key achievements.
* Address each area of evaluation specifically: Use the provided rubric or criteria as a guide. Don't just list tasks completed; explain the impact of your actions. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to illustrate specific examples.
* Focus on both strengths and weaknesses: Be honest and self-reflective. Identify areas where you excel and areas where you need improvement. Avoid being overly critical or defensive.
* Provide concrete examples: Instead of saying "I am a good classroom manager," describe specific strategies you use to maintain a positive and productive learning environment. Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible (e.g., "Increased student engagement in discussions by 20% as measured by observational data").
* Connect your actions to your goals: Show how your work aligns with your professional goals and the school's mission.
* Demonstrate reflection and growth: Explain what you've learned from your experiences and how you plan to improve in the future. Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for the upcoming year.
* End with a strong conclusion: Reiterate your commitment to teaching and professional growth.
4. Review and Edit:
* Proofread carefully: Ensure your writing is clear, concise, and free of grammatical errors.
* Seek feedback (if permitted): Ask a trusted colleague or mentor to review your appraisal before submitting it.
* Revise and refine: Incorporate feedback and make any necessary changes before submitting your final draft.
Example of using the STAR method:
Situation: My students were struggling with understanding fractions.
Task: I needed to find a way to make fractions more concrete and engaging for them.
Action: I implemented a hands-on activity using fraction circles and real-world examples. I also differentiated instruction by providing different levels of support based on student needs.
Result: Student scores on the subsequent fraction quiz increased by 15%, demonstrating a significant improvement in their understanding.
By following these steps, you can create a self-appraisal that accurately reflects your teaching performance and demonstrates your commitment to ongoing professional growth. Remember, this is an opportunity to showcase your skills and dedication to your profession.