You're not being judged - open your classroom door to colleagues!

In my first year of teaching, I remember my very first lesson. I had my keys to the classroom, walked in and had the students stand behind their chairs, shut the door and the following thought went through my mind:

No-one knows what I'm about to try and teach these kids, am I really accountable and who gave me permission to do this?

It is a curious thing that is such a people focused profession, we close our doors to our colleagues. How was I to improve in my practice without knowing how I was doing?

My first step into collaboration with colleagues, was actually sharing what I had done in the hope that others would share back with me. To be fair, a number of teachers did share things with me but they were often sheets photocopied from old textbooks.

As things progressed, I began to work more collaboratively with one colleague in particular and we were constantly in each other's classrooms, encouraging each other to try new things, to improve. This would not have happened if I had not been willing to put my pride aside and open my door.

Teachers need quality feedback to improve. Golfers record themselves to watch their swing to see how to improve it, they also have a coach to watch and critique their swing - in order to be better at what they do. This all happens without judgment - you never hear "you're a bad golfer" so we need to be recording our lessons (with a swivl) and having colleagues, professionals and experts help us to improve.

Watch below for Bill Gates and his urge for feedback for teachers.