At this point, I am halfway through the 2012-2013 school year, but I thought I would create some goals, or resolutions, that I can focus on for the remainder of the year. This has been the best year for me, professionally. I have learned SO much through my Twitter PLN, had the opportunity to visit the Ron Clark Academy (a dream of mine since college!), received recognition for my work (on a local level, I was named "Teacher of the Month" in October), and have had no discipline issues in my classroom (Hallelujah!). Even though it's been a great year so far, I know I still have much more learning and growing to do.
For the remainder of the school year:
1. I resolve to listen more intently to my students.
-My students looove to tell me stories and one child in particular has a story to tell me every single day, first thing in the morning. I get so annoyed with this, but try to never let it show. I usually continue getting ready for the day while she speaks, listening half-heartedly, and occassionally interjecting an enthusiastic, "Mmh-hmm!" I should be flattered that this child wants to share things with me! From now on, I'm going to listen more carefully and show her (and my other storytellers) that I care about what they have to say.
2. I resolve to teach my heart out.
-I want to finish this year strong. Teaching is my dream job and I want to step into my classroom every day with passion, energy, and excitement and get my students fired up about learning! I want to do whatever I can to help my students become successful and enjoy their last year in elementary school.
3. At the same time, I resolve to avoid burnout.
-I spend most of my time thinking about school. I constantly read and research and plan and grade. I think about what I can do better...how I can make my lessons more engaging...how I can do a lot with technology even though I have access to little...the list goes on. This is exhausting! I need to take some time for myself. It hit me that I'm becoming a little obsessed with school as I was standing in front of the copy machine in our main office on Christmas Eve, prepping materials for when I return from break. I am not "Superteacher". I need to stop trying to be!
Today, I am linking up with two other teacher bloggers:
Diane from Teaching With Moxie:
and Amanda from Teaching Maddeness:
Amen to #3!! That's why summers are so wonderful, even though we still end up thinking about school then too!!
ReplyDeleteWow! What an eventful year you have had! I saw Ron Clark speak a few years ago and he is so inspiring. Congratulations on Teacher of the Year! What an honor! The icing on the cake.....no discipline problems. I am with you on avoiding burn out. I could literally work 24 hours a day. I want to spend more time with my family as my oldest son is a senior and this is his last year at home with us. Thank you for joining my linky party!
ReplyDeleteDiane
Teaching With Moxie