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.