This year has been filled with more challenges than past years of my teaching career. I have experienced loss, abuse, both verbal and physical, and witnessed the decline in the climate and culture of the school at which I work. However, despite the negative experiences of this past school year, I can celebrate knowing that the ending is near; four days to be exact. Working in Urban Education can be exhausting under the wrong, or ill-equipped leadership team. No matter where teachers work, suburban or urban school districts, they should be reflective practitioners to regain their confidence and identify instructional strategies that will improve student learning. A reflective practitioner should celebrate the highlights of the school year, begin setting goals for the upcoming year, and engage in some well-needed rest and relaxation during the breaks from work.
Celebrate Highlights of the Year
Even though this year has been an extremely difficult year, I still look back in hindsight and identify those experiences that rendered positive outcomes, such as field trips and science investigations. The last field trip I planned for this school year was to Luray Caverns, located in Luray, Virginia. Both the students, parents, and chaperones all enjoyed venturing into Earth’s crust and seeing the various formations created by Earth (As you guessed I am an Earth Science teacher). I love seeing the expressions on my students’ faces when they are learning new things and when the light bulb finally turns on in their head and they say, “oh, I get it now!” Another celebrated highlight is that I had 73% student growth during the second interim testing of ACT Aspire in science; 73% of my students made gains of 3 points or more. I maintain my focus on the positive events and experiences rather than the negative ones so that I do not lose hope and keep moving forward in my pedagogy. I hope for a better next year and strive to ensure that each year is better than the last.
Set Goals for the Upcoming School Year
Now that I am at the end of School Year 2017-18 I am now focused on next school year. I will begin preparing for next school year by updating/writing my curriculum and lesson plans for the first month or two of the upcoming school year. I prepare a curriculum map for the entire year and then create my syllabus, which is based on the curriculum map and also has additional information, such as grading policy, course outline, and my contact information. I also update assessments and study guides, and I research new resources and professional development opportunities to attend for the upcoming school year. In October 2018, I have been selected to present at the Association for Middle Level Education’s (AMLE) annual conference; my topic is on literacy and how every teacher is a literacy teachers (I am extremely excited to be presenting for a second consecutive year). Also, I suggest that every educator aim to attend at least two outside professional development sessions each school year; teachers should be life-long learners. If we want our students to develop a love for learning we must set the example. Conferences are an excellent way to meet other educators in your content and you can collaborate and share ideas. I read an article that suggested that the best professional development in which teachers can participate is collaborating with each other. Begin planning for next year, so that next year is even better than this year.
Rest, Relax, and Read
Several of my friends and family members make sly comments about me being off during the summer months as if I am the luckiest person in the world. I explain to them that I don’t get the entire summer off (6-7 weeks) and the ten months I work, I work 12-14 hour days at least four out of the five days a week; at the beginning of the year I put in time on the weekends as well. Teachers work long hours without overtime pay, especially when school first begins (August-November), which is why when the end of June rolls around, most teachers are more than ready to take a break. Some teachers opt to work summer school, I used to work summer school every summer to make extra money; however, as I got older and the work became more challenging, I decided I needed a break in order to maintain my sanity. During the summer break, I encourage my fellow educators to rest; do not set the alarm clock except for important events to which you do not want to be late. My first three days off I usually stay in my pajamas and catch up on some well needed sleep. After catching up on sleep, then I usually put my house back in order and then I relax. I relax with a good book, having lunch with my friends, and hanging out with family. I also like to do a little traveling and playing a few games of golf. But my two favorite activities are spending time with family and reading (and writing). I use the summer months to catch up on reading books I did not finish during the school year. Books are a form of entertainment for me and if I want my students to read in their leisure time, I should do the same. Read, read, and read this summer.
Enjoy Your Time Off
I am wishing all educators a wonderful summer and well-deserved time off! Enjoy your time with family and friends. Reflect on how you will be an even better educator next school year and keep these three questions in mind:
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What are some areas in which I can improve?
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What new experiences will I bring into my classroom next year?
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What new instructional strategies will I implement in my classroom next year?
Wishing A Wonderful Summer!