Back to School Goals Linky
Thanks to Jess over at I {Heart} Recess for helping us teachers stay accountable by setting various goals for ourselves through a fun linky party!
Personal- I find myself the happiest when I have downtime for myself. I always enjoy coming home from a stressful day and having time to unwind in front of my favorite TV show. I also LOVE to spoil my dog. She loves long walks around the neighborhood. On a beautiful, sunny day there is nothing I’d rather do than take her for a walk!
Organization- I am a fairly organized person, but I do believe I have work to do to make my students just as organized. I also want my classroom to be student friendly where I do not need to be involved in every interaction. Last year was a big year for me with pushing ownership on to students. So having materials organized and clearly labeled will help students find the items without needing my help and increase the accountability of students returning the item to the correct place for the next student.
Planning- I need to do a better job of coming to planning having thought through the agenda items so when it comes time to discuss, I have something meaningful to share. I found myself needing some time to reflect and digest information during the meeting which then meant that we would have to have follow up meetings once we all had our bearings. So, encouraging myself and my teammates to review the agenda prior to the meeting will give us the necessary think time to have a productive planning session.
Professional- I absolutely love Educational Leadership magazine from ASCD! Each of the articles are so different than the others that it keeps me wanting to learn and grow. I find that my most meaningful professional development comes from this publication. I need to ensure I take time daily to fill up my teacher passion tank!
Students- As I mentioned before, last year I pushed my students to do all the cognitive heavy lifting in the classroom. I saw how much more they grew as students because of this effort. I plan to continue to push ownership on to students so that they are the ones thinking and growing, not just me!
Motto- *Dream Big* has been my motto as a teacher. I worked in a Title-One setting for five years and witnessed students overcoming stressful and cumbersome obstacles as young as age 5. Children are capable of doing and being anything they wish as long as they can conceive it. If I do not push them to dream bigger, they cannot achieve bigger. Visualization and a passion makes dreams come true and I am their #1 supporter!
What are your goals for this school year?
Bloggers, come link up!
About the author, Gretchen
I am a teacher trainer and coach. Working elbow to elbow with teachers and teacher leaders to ensure instructional proficiency and student achievement soar lights me up. We have a real need in our nation for strong educators to remain in the field. My blog, book, podcast, courses and instructional materials are geared towards empowering teachers (and those that lead them) to receive the support needed to grow and thrive today, tomorrow and always.
Taking time for yourself is so important. Trying to be a good wife, mom, friend, and teacher is a juggling act! I often forget to take ‘me-time’. Good luck this school year!