Jim Wolfe, High School Teacher

I have to admit that this has been a very strange year with all the happenings we have experienced.  We have gone through a lot of happiness, sadness, turmoil and change.  
 

I have always been told and have read that self-reflection is an important part of our professional development and want to throw in that I appreciate the time administration has given to us on this point. As I reflect on this year, I need to keep in mind what has worked in the past, toss the failures, and implement new strategies and approaches for next year.  I need to accept the changes that will occur and determine how I can best adapt and be a significant part in them.  I need to recharge!!

I need to ask myself the following:

• Did I achieve my goals for this year? Why or why not?
• What were my greatest obstacles this year?
• What was my biggest success? My biggest failure?
• Were there any lessons or units that fell flat and need to be revamped?
• Were there any lessons or units that really engaged my students?
• Did I enjoy myself this year? If not, what can I change in the year to come to make teaching more enjoyable?
• Do I have the resources I need? If not, what can I do to get them for next year?
• Did I have a good relationship with my students this year? Why or why not?
• Are there new technologies that I could adopt next year to make teaching easier and more enjoyable or better engage my students?
• Did I spend enough time in prayer and reading the word of God?

These are things I will carry into the summer and think about for next year.  It seems that our profession is one of never ending learning, struggles and, hopefully, good times.  Sometimes we are up and sometimes we are down.  But no matter what the case, we must never let our thoughts drift from God.  It is he who gives us the strength, endurance and, I hope, a lot of wisdom. 

Two verses (out of many) that have helped me this year are:

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Against such things there is no law.  (Galatians 5:22-23)

Have a great summer everyone.  Wherever you may be or whatever you may be doing next year may it be pleasing to you and to the Lord.  I wish all of you nothing but the best.