Closing the Quarter with Confidence: My Demo Teaching Experience!

As the quarter approaches, this demonstration is more than just a lesson; it is a testament to growth, passion, and the silent influence of a teacher changing lives one student at a time.

Will there be an end-of-quarter demonstration lesson? On its own, that is a rollercoaster!

Grades, deadlines, and last-minute student submissions have already exhausted my brain. I recently had to prepare to demo-teach our classroom observations for the 2024-2025 academic year. I need to shift my focus and give my all. There is a lot of pressure on me: my lesson plan must be flawless, my tactics enthralling, and my delivery smooth.

Teachers demonstrate their teaching as part of the professional performance evaluation process, using all indicators required by the Classroom Observation Tool (COT). The COT determines whether a teacher meets the Department of Education's (DepEd) requirements for lesson planning, instructional delivery, classroom management, assessment techniques, and student engagement. 

My palms are sweating, my heart is racing, and I'm trying to appear calm and collected while secretly overthinking everything. However, once I start moving, muscle memory takes over. I teach with the same enthusiasm, purpose, and teacher magic that you always do. It all flows together somehow. When I see students reacting, participating, and learning, I temporarily forget about my nerves. I'm doing what I enjoy, which is teaching.

It feels different to feel like I gave my demo the maximum effort.

Perhaps late at night or early in the morning, you sit down with your laptop or craft supplies to ensure everything is perfect: the handouts are error-free, the visuals are captivating, and the slides are clear and engaging. Will this catch their attention, you wonder? Will this help their comprehension? Will the observer be impressed?

I get a subtle thrill when I cut, print, edit, or design because, at its core, I'm creating an experience rather than just materials. Imagine the delight on my students' faces when they see something creative or entertaining. I imagine their hands rising, their interest piqued, and their knowledge broadened.

Even though it's exhausting—my eyes hurt from too much screen time, and my back hurts—a sense of accomplishment grows with each completed slide, laminated card, and meticulously planned task.

Because materials aren't the only thing that counts.

The goals are to give your students your all and show that you are prepared, enthusiastic, and proud when it matters the most.

My heart raced as I walked in, clutching my lesson plan like a lifeline. Despite the pressure, the audience, and the passing of time, I gave it my all by practicing my lines, visualizing the flow, and anticipating the questions.

Every word, tactic, and gesture in the classroom had a purpose. I provided the vigor. I got the students interested. You hit the indicators. Knowing people were watching, I stepped up while remaining true to my style. When it was over, I stood there gasping for air, not out of fear but of contentment.

I don't teach just because I have to. I care, so I do. Regardless of the pressure, I want to show what effective teaching looks like. I give my all even when exhausted, underpaid, and overburdened.

After a successful demo lesson, there is a lovely blend of relief, pride, and quiet joy.

My heart continues to race as I leave that room, but this time, it is due to achievement rather than anxiety. I succeeded. This moment culminated in numerous late nights, revisions, pressure, and overthinking. I confidently delivered the lesson; the classroom was lively, your students were attentive, and who was the observer? His nods, smile, and silent approval were all obvious to me.

Nothing is perfect, but it was mine, and it was genuine. I gave the lesson my all, and it showed. It didn't matter whether it was perfect. My presence, poise, and passionate and heartfelt delivery of the lesson were all important. I demonstrated something to both you and your observers.

Now that I'm standing in the aftermath, I feel a sense of warm satisfaction. I demonstrated to myself my ability to inspire and instruct. I made an impression, held the class, and led it gracefully.

This moment will always remind me that I was created for this, in addition to meeting a requirement.

There's a massive sigh of relief, whether it went perfectly or not. I arrived, did my best, and now it's over. I am exhausted, but I am also very proud.