This is the
time to stop and reflect upon the past and establish goals for the future. As
educators, we are constantly reflecting and adjusting throughout the year, but
often we lose sight of the long term goals.
Moving from elementary
to middle school has been a fun and rewarding challenge. While I miss the
young, enthusiastic sponges of the elementary students, I am enjoying getting
to know them and discovering their deeper level thinking and the challenges of being
an adolescent student. They keep me on my toes, and when they begin to
understand a new concept, a magnificent celebration follows. Do I prefer one
over the other? Not really, because the needs of each is so different, they are
challenging and rewarding in very different ways. Now for my first goal –
continue to build my understanding and experience as a secondary teacher beyond
my own classroom.
Continuing
my own studies in professional learning has been the most exciting and
frustrating part of this past year. Having developed a deeper understanding of
coaching teachers, digital learning spaces, leading in a school environment,
policies and procedures, etc. has moved my thinking beyond the school walls. I
have discovered a passion for helping those who help our students. Yet, I have
not become involved beyond my school. Which brings me to my second goal – become
involved by providing at least one professional learning course which expands
beyond my school district.
Over the
past few days, I’ve taken the time to catch up on reading the various
publications and blogs which I subscribe to and once again an overwhelming
feeling comes across me. No wonder, there
are so many things educators need to consider not only within the classroom to
meet the various student needs, but also outside the classroom in order to
remain current. Should one focus more on
critical thinking, problem solving, cultural diversity, communication skills,
collaboration, questioning, building relationships, creating positive cultures,
feedback, assessment, data, measuring student growth, differentiation, motivating
students, project based learning, STEM, blended learning, flipped learning,
close reading, creative or informational writing, professional development. How
does one keep up and remain effective? My final goal – develop this blog from a
self-reflection to sharing
strategies which will help fellow educators reach
more students with my first focus on being a 21st century learner.
I hope
everyone has a wonderful New Year filled with many ah-hah moments.
