Being observed in 'performance' is something I do for fun....the way I deal with nerves is by:

a) Having the basics covered at all times - I would never let myself go on stage without knowing my lines....make sure that you are confident in your lesson plan/how your day is to be structured so that something simple like that doesn't floor you.

b) Harnessing nervous energy. Nerves is basically extra adrenalin sent into your blood stream to help you perform better....think of nerves as your friend, helping you to do the best you can. They will help you react more efficiently should there be any kind of crisis, which means there's less chance of anything going seriously wrong. They make you better at 'thinking on your feet' which is so important in teaching. Use your nerves to help you give a more energetic and memorable performance than you would on a normal humdrum day.

c) Keeping things in perspective. You're not resucing someone from a burning building, you're not operating on someone's dog or negotiating a Middle Eastern peace deal.....in the grand scheme of things an evaluation for work is not the be all and end all. Yes it's important to you, but there are a thousand things bigger than this that you and other people have to deal with on a daily basis. Keeping this in mind will stop you losing control of your nerves.

d) Remembering that your audience wants you to succeed. The person who is evaluating you doesn't want to write a bad report....They're on your side, and will give you the benefit of the doubt. They'll be used to seeing people with nerves, and so they'll take it into account. It's how you deal with being in an awkward situation that matters in teaching which is why this method of assessment for teachers is the norm.

e) And this one only applies to you:


You're Lilith and you're wonderful!

__________________
"Time flies like an arrow -
Fruit flies like a banana"

M Y - N A U G H T Y - P I C T U R E S ! !