Filling another instructor's shoes
I am a new instructor at my institution. One of the classes I am teaching was previously taught by the department director. I have heard from our Dean how fabulous she was in the course and how much previous students loved her. Well having me teach the course came late in the planning as the dept. director was needed to teach another course related to certification issues. I did speak at length with the prior instructor about her talent and it turns our she has a natural talent and almost photo-graphic memory. Neither of which I have for this subject.
To make matters worse, my first session of this class was a bomb! I had the worse AV & computer difficulties (not my fault but still-ugh). So rotten first impression.
I was prepared for some disappointed students then I added to it with a bomb class. What I thought would be a fun class for all has been rather anxiety provoking for me.
Any tips for recovering?
BTW 2nd class was really good.
It sounds like you may already be recovering. Having problems can illustrate that you are less than perfect, and can actually help the students identify with you, and maybe even bond with you a little. Just don't get over-whelmed or distracted. If you are well-prepared and have a checklist or a good lesson plan, it's easier to get back on track.
Re. the previous instructor: You are YOU, don't try to be HER. Teach the course your own way. The students probably aren't going to be comparing, and that's what really matters.
I was also brought in late for one of my new classes (3 days before the class started!) I think it helped me to admit this to the students during the first session, apologize in advance for being less-than-completely organized, and assuring them that we would eventually get it all together and successfully complete the course.
Hi Melody,
I can understand your concern about the first class meeting and following a dynamic instructor. Sounds like you are making a nice recovery as indicated from your comments about the second class. Be yourself and find your own instructional style. You will be surprised at how you will settle into your style and start earning the respect of your students and while developing rapport with them.
I look forward to hearing about your successes as you progress through this course.
Gary
I agree that you have to be you. Never try to take on another instructors teaching personality because it will not fit yours. However, students do compare instructors (like it or not). This happens all the time at my school. I am a director and I teach but sometimes I have to switch classes. Bringing in a brand new instructor is painful for the instructor. They always ask why I was not teaching the course. The new instructors who survive are the ones who stay true to themselves and ask for ideas. The instructors who bomb and basically don't return the next quarter or semester are the ones who try to go it on there own. If you are a seasoned instructor going alone behind a well known instructor is hard enough. I feel your pain. I have the same situation going on now. I keep telling the new instructor to try something new, change your approach. When students start to pass their judgment you are going to have a hard time recovering.
It sounds like you are recovering so GREAT JOB! Be yourself and be honest with the students. I have had to say sorry to the class for not being prepared (boss needed something, students have issues, externs...) I found being honest works well. Then I come the next class and try to "rock it out" (make it great). Keep doing what you are doing because if they are not giving you a hard time after the first day then you are doing something right (they like and respect you enough to give a chance).
Oh no, what a horrible feeling! Glad to hear the second class went well. I agree with the other posters that you should be yourself (don't try to be the other instructor, as tempting as it may be to live up to that expectation) and keep doing whatever it was that made the second class go so well. Maybe you acknowledged the first class wasn't what you hoped it would be, or maybe you switched teaching techniques so you wouldn't have computer/AV problems. I find that when I'm honest with my students and solicit feedback, even my *worst* classes are salvageable. A quick evaluation is a 3-2-1 exit card. At the end of a class, ask the students to list on a notecard you give them: 3 ideas they have learned in the course so far, 2 learning activities they enjoyed and want to do again, and 1 question/suggestion for next class. This also places ownership on the students and increases their responsibility in making sure each class is a success.
Good luck!
I've been in that situation and it's uncomfortable to say the least -however as others have already recommended - you really have to just be yourself and not try to "fill someone elses's shoes" I hear from my current students how funny another instructor is (we teach different courses - but they talk alot about her) - I let them talk about her and tell them how glad I am they enjoy her as an instructor. I just go with it. I am the Program Chair at my college - and so I enjoy hearing how much they like another instructor. I have to stay true to myself and my teaching style. Sounds like you are already recovering - when you have things like that happen the first day you can make jokes out of it - laugh about it - if they see you get stressed, they will too. Hang in there!
Melody...I feel your pain, I also had to take over a course and had AV/computer problems. Having a sense of humor, let the students know that your methodolgy for teaching may be different, but you are there for their success. If the second class went well then the students already recovered from the first day blunders probably better than you have.
