The teaching world almost (finally) has a chance to stop, take a break and reflect upon the crazy, tiring but rewarding year that has been. It’s important at this time to think about your achievements as a teacher and the major impact that you have had on so many young peoples lives. How can you continue to learn and grow as an educator ensuring both your own well being and the well being of your students?
Learning and growing as an educator is important for your career development, your motivation and most importantly your students. Learning new ways in which to work, trying new things and connecting with new people keeps you engaged and therefore positively impacts on your classroom. Learning is a lifelong journey!
So how will you grow in 2019? Here are some questions you might like to consider and to revisit throughout 2019. Write them down anywhere – in a journal, on scraps of paper whatever! I will do the same – hey maybe we can keep each other on track!
1.What are THREE dreams I have as an educator over the next 10 years?
Dreams are BIG things. They might sound crazy big for now – but don’t worry 10 years is a long time. Where were you 10 years ago? A lot has changed right? Visualise yourself and what you want to look like within the education sector. Do you want to be principal in 10 years? write it down as though you ARE ‘I am be the BEST most INSPIRATIONAL Principal of a high school in Sydney‘.
Want to be like Eddie Woo? ‘I am an well known, successful educator with my own you tube channel and published book‘.
Want to have a classroom where all students feel known, valued and cared for? Write it down!
Maybe you want to ensure you have established a a great work/ home life balance.
2. What is my ONE goal for term 1?
If we tackle everything at once, we are not going to get anywhere – we will drop the ball. If we think about ONE goal for term 1, often other positive changes will also occur moving you closer to your dreams.
Here are some examples:
- In term 1 I will memorise every students name
- In term 1 I will set up meetings with school leadership team to discuss my career development
- In term 1 I will attend professional development to deepen my understanding of project based learning
- in term 1 I will have at least 150 followers on twitter
- I will get into work early but leave by 3:30pm
Tips to stay on track:
- Write down your 5 dreams and 1 goal daily when you get to work
- revisit your dreams and goal at the end of each term
- Develop a new goal for each term
- Find a mentor teacher
- Stay motivated! Look up podcasts, read books
Have a great break!