Goals, Goals, Goals
One of the things that most teachers do best is helping their students set goals for themselves. We may ask our students in August what they want to accomplish by the end of the year. We might ask them how many books they want to read, what math facts they want to master, or what new topics they are interested in. Teachers are natrual goal setters- it is embedded in the profession. We also tend to begin each August with goals for ourselves- what new technology we want to incorporate, how to use curriculum with enrichments, and what new ways to plan to use to engage our students for an entire school year. But then, the inevitable happens. We become wrapped up in our students successes and goals that we can let ours slip away. It is easy in April to forget that, once upon an August, we too had goals for the school year.
One of the best things about participating in the induction program is the embedded goal setting we have access to. We can monitor our goals from the beginning of the year, work on them throughout, and reevaluate in the end. At the beginning of the year, my biggest goal was understanding and utilizing the curriculum for a new grade I had never taught. But, as happens often with goals, mine changed throughout the school year, mainly based on the unique needs of my students and this challenging year.
CSTP BEFORE AND AFTER
When I originally took the CSTP Self- Assessment, my strongest area of focus was creating and maintaining effective environments for student learning. This was such a worry I had as an online teacher this year. I wasn't sure how I was going to create a fun and engaging environment for students through a computer screen. I was also terrified of how I was going to assess student learning. So much was subjective this year, and formative assessments became crucial in a way they never had before. By the end of the year, I became extremely confident in my abilities to engage with students, create a positive learning environment, and assess learning to the best of my abilities. When I retook the CSTP Self-Assessment, it became clear that my strength had become assessment. Using Seesaw, Classkick, and Google Classroom enabled me to capture as much student learning as possible. By utililizing different types of assessments and learning opportunities that fit student needs, I happened to inadvertently meet the goal of creating and maintaining effective environments for student learning. Students felt comfortable and heard in my virtual class and my class was very much tailored to individual student needs.
GOALS BEYOND INDUCTION
It is easy to breath a sigh of relief at the end of the two years of induction. I can say with total honesty that these past two years have been the hardest two years of my life (and I have a six year old). Never did I think teaching would be this tumultuous and unpredictable. I think induction has served as an anchor for the past two years as I navigated the uncharted waters of teaching during the start of a pandemic. No matter how lost I felt, I could always come back to the goals I had set for myself and "check in". And I don't think I truly understood how valuable this experience was until now as I reflect. So my main goal is this- to remember to set goals each year, and check in with them throughout the year. To evaluate, assess, and change direction if needed. I may even continue this website for accountability. I never want to forget how important it is not to become lost in the seas of the every changing school year.... and how empowering it is to anchor yourself to becoming a better educator each year.
Remaining connected to the profession of teaching through the lens of self-improvement and learning is absolutely essential. In my two short years I have observed teachers who are okay with keeping the status quo. They are not looking for ways to develop, change, or improve. They have a fixed mindset. We teach our students so often about growth mindset, to be open to changes and new ideas and possibilities. But we have to set the example for our students. We can participate in new trainings, work on becoming culturally aware, learn new teaching methods, and learn how to enhance our relationships with our students. I cannot wait to contine to be a lifelong learner and stay connected as an educator.
BREATH IN, BREATH OUT
One of the most rewarding trainings I participated in this year was the mindfulness and social emotional training for educators that was hosted by CTI in a four part series. We meditated, use social emotionl practices, and worked on staying connected to the moment. In the midst of an extremely stressful year, this training was a life saver. I used the practices I learned in that training to sustain my level of involvement for the rest of the year. I will continue to use those practices to help maintain and sustain the high level of energy it takes to be an excellent educator. And this ties in to my advice for new teachers. As hard as it may be, take a breath, let it out, and relax. Even as I write this, I know I struggle with the same concept. But I can tell you this... when I take a breath, let it out, and relax, it works wonders. Take a day off. If you have to work on the weekend to lessen the anxiety you feel during the week, don't feel guilty. Do what you need to do to take care of you, whatever that looks like. The kids will be okay. And you will too.