Feeling stressed about an upcoming lesson observation? You’re not alone. Observation anxiety is something almost every teacher faces — especially early in their career. But after more than ten years in the classroom, I’ve discovered that dealing with observation stress isn’t about perfect planning or performing — it’s about confidence, authenticity, and backing yourself as a teacher. In this post, I’ll share how I learned to let go of observation pressure, focus on what really matters, and actually enjoy being observed.
This week I had my first observation of the year — and honestly? I wasn’t really that bothered.
Now, before you roll your eyes or assume I’m being arrogant or apathetic, let me clarify: I care deeply about my teaching. I care about giving my students the best possible experience in my classroom. I care about their learning, their engagement, their progress — all of it.
What I don’t care about anymore is what someone else thinks about my teaching for twenty minutes on a random Tuesday morning.
After more than a decade in the classroom, I’ve learned something powerful.
At some point, you have to back yourself.
You have to believe that what you’re doing, day in and day out, is good — that you are good. Because you are.
There’s a freedom that comes when you stop performing for approval and start teaching from confidence. When you realise that your value as a teacher isn’t defined by a clipboard or a tick box.
That doesn’t mean I’m closed to feedback — far from it. I welcome ideas and suggestions. Growth matters. But I refuse to let the fear of being judged steal my joy, energy, or peace. I’m not going to spend hours crafting a “perfect” observation lesson that bears no resemblance to my real teaching. That’s not authentic. That’s not sustainable.
When I’m observed, I aim to teach exactly how I do every other day. Because that’s the version of me my students get — and that’s the version I want observed. If feedback comes, it’ll be on something real, something useful.
So here’s my advice to any teacher feeling the knot of observation anxiety tightening in your stomach: breathe, back yourself, and just teach.
Don’t add unnecessary bells and whistles. Don’t try to reinvent the wheel for one lesson. The fact that you’re showing up, day after day, giving your best — that already says a lot.
You were hired for a reason. You’ve already proven you can do this. So trust your craft, trust your experience, and remember — one observation doesn’t define your worth as a teacher.
It’s just another lesson.
And you’ve got this.
David Wright | Mr Wright Teaching
Mr Wright Teaching 
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