Begin With the End in Mind - 2015 Goals for Teachers

As educators we are constantly talking with our students about setting goals for themselves.  We encourage kids to set academic, emotional and, behavioral goals.  Many times we do this weekly or monthly to teach self-reflection.  This practice is not only great for students, but also for adults. With 2014 quickly coming to a close, and a new year upon us, it now seems like a great time to set some goals for ourselves.  Habit 2 of Stephen Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is "Begin with the End in Mind." This habit encourages us set goals and know where we are going before we start the journey. As you think about your professional or personal goals for the upcoming year, some of the following areas of reflection might help provide a spring board for where you'd like to go.

Step out of your comfort zone - Perhaps 2015 will be the year that you decide to step out of the box with instructional practices or innovative ideas.  Maybe you will commit to trying "Project Based Learning" in your classroom.  Perhaps you will become part of a reflective journey with your colleagues by participating in "Instructional Rounds." Perhaps you will take on a leadership role by providing Professional Development for your colleagues, taking on a student teacher, or become a mentor for a new teaching colleague. My work with the "Galileo Leadership Academy" allowed me to understand that teachers can "lead from where they stand."  You do not have to have a formal leadership role to be a leader. Is 2015 the year for you step up into a leadership role that you define for yourself?

Work on integrating 21st century learning strategies into your classroom - Maybe 2015 is the year that you will commit to integrating new 21st century learning into your teaching toolbox.  Perhaps you will look to add blogging, twitter, or mystery skype into your classroom.  Maybe you will consider deeper levels of differentiated instruction using technology.  Perhaps you will look to add self-directed learning through "Innovation Day" or "20 % Time" within your lessons.  21st Century learning not only encompasses the integration of technology, but also communication, collaboration and interactions with a variety of students and colleagues from across the globe.

Commit to being a positive voice for education - One of the best ways teachers can support the field of education is to be the positive voice.  It is very easy to get sucked into the negativity that often surrounds educators via politicians, media, or even right in our own teachers' lounge.  However, accepting the challenge to "Be the Positive Voice" not only helps you, but also your colleagues and students.  Negative energy seems to spread so easily throughout a school building, so working to maintain a positive outlook will create a more productive culture building wide.

Work to build relationships and connect with students - Students will work much harder for a teacher that they like.  Therefore, making a commitment to connect with each of your students on a level outside of the classroom will help to create a better classroom culture for all.   Talk about things that you do outside of the normal school day.  Ask them about hobbies or interests. Help your students find books that are in an area they like.  All of these small details will help to create a classroom environment in which students are not afraid to take risks and try new things.

There are many areas in which teachers can work to create goals for the upcoming year.  The most important fact to remember is that your goals should be about personal and professional growth.  You know what will help you to reach out of your comfort zone and extend your learning as an educator. Tap into those areas. Don't worry about what your colleague across the hall is doing.  Focus on areas that will help you grow as an educator, colleague, and person.

Happy Goal Setting!

Starting a New Journey

I have been anxiously awaiting the day that I would start a new professional journey as a building principal. That day has finally arrived, and I am thrilled to begin working with the teachers and community of an amazing elementary school in Michigan. As I prepare to embark upon this new chapter in my professional life, there are three things that I will keep at the forefront of all of my work.

1. The main focus is teaching children

When I started my teaching career 12 years ago, I was so excited to be able to work with a group of children every day. I loved helping open their eyes and their minds to new content and discoveries through learning. As the years have passed, and I have matured as a person and an educator, I realized that sometimes the most important "learnings" a child has during a school year are those that help them mature and grow emotionally or personally. As I begin my journey as a school leader, I will work diligently to stay in touch with the reason that drew me into education from the beginning, seeking to affect children and their emotional and intellectual learning in a positive way each and every day.  I look forward to doing this by being present and visible in the hallways, classrooms, lunch rooms, playground, and at community events.

2. Listen, listen, and listen some more

I am very lucky to be joining a school community that is already very well-established and successful. My intent as I begin my work with them is not to come in and establish sweeping changes or to "make my mark". I fully recognize that there are amazing things already occurring at the school, and my main goal will be to work to truly understand the school culture and begin to develop trust among all stakeholders. This practice will aid in a more seamless transition into the role of school leader. As a trusted colleague (thanks @mrbernia) told me, I should strive to listen, listen, and listen some more. I completely agree with that advice and look forward to heeding it as I seek to truly get to know all of the teachers, staff, and community members in the building.

3. Take time to "sharpen the saw"

When I went through the "7 Habits" training a few years ago, one of the pieces that stuck with me was the importance of taking time for yourself to "sharpen the saw".  This practice is important as it allows you to stay fresh and focused in the work environment.  I will be 110% committed to my new job and role as a principal.  However, I also will be sure to plan time to do the things that help me reenergize and preserve the main asset I have: me.  I enjoy spending time with family, reading for pleasure, running, and yoga.  It is important to come to work energized and ready to interact in a positive manner with the teachers, students, and community.  This is a value I hold true for myself, but also a value I will emphasize to the teachers and staff with whom I am working.  If we all come to work energized and invigorated, the school culture will be a better place for all.

I realize that there will be MANY more areas of focus throughout the beginning of my journey as a school principal, but these are three of the areas that I will keep in mind as I begin to collaborate with the new school community.  To say that I am excited to begin this journey would be an understatement. I am beyond thrilled, and look forward to beginning my work as a school principal.