This year, my main goal was to create more meaningful assessments by 1.) creating a variety of engaging assessments and 2.) having students reflect on assessments and revise work, taking more ownership of the revision process. I advanced in these areas by having students assessed not just in writing, but also through discussions, speeches, presentations, and games like Kahoots for more informal assessments/checks for understanding. I think the kids enjoyed them, and so did I. By the end of the year, I think I have moved up one level from where I was at the beginning of last year - from "emerging" to "applying" - on my focus CSTPs.
I would like to continue using reflection questions next year. I think that it was good to start doing very specific reflection questions in-class, but perhaps next year I can have students do more reflection at home, since it is something that could be done as homework rather than in-class once they are accustomed to the process.
I was pleasantly surprised that I did not spend all day Saturday and/or Sunday grading, like I did last year. As a second-year teacher, I was able to re-use and refine a few lessons instead of having to start from scratch, and I also adapted a couple of activities from other teachers as well. I also learned to better balance work and home life by stepping back from coaching for one semester. Last year, I felt discouraged wondering if I would always be so stressed and exhausted until I just burned out. This year, especially this semester, I have been surprised by my ability to "have a life" outside of teaching.
My goals for the future as I remain a connected educator
Describe a professional goal you have for yourself beyond induction. Why have you identified this as a need or interest? What actions will you take? How will you assess goal attainment? I would like to get my Master's in Education, specializing in Curriculum and Instruction. I am beginning the application process and hope to achieve my goal within the year. Studying for a master's degree will give me even more theory /ideas for how to serve my students, particularly by creating engaging instruction. Ultimately I hope to engage all students in learning so that they can acquire the skills they need to pass English with an A or B. That will indicate they are able to communicate effectively in speech and writing based on their work in my class.
What actions can you take to remain a connected educator throughout your career? I am thankful that at my school site, there are many opportunities to connect with coworkers in-person and online (e.g., through feedback forms, collaborative documents, etc.) We meet as an English department weekly to collaborate and discuss, and about once a month we have a meeting to discuss details about how to better serve students. I also have a Twitter account that I use to follow other educators.
What can you do personally and professionally, to sustain the energy it takes to be passionate about students, teaching, and learning? I will always remember in my teaching credential program when one of my professors said, "The people who are doing the work are the ones doing the learning. You should walk out of the classroom every day with a spring in your step." Using scaffolding and gradual release of responsibility, I have been able to give more and more autonomy to my students. It is so, so rewarding to listen to their small-group discussions or read their quickwrites, realizing their insights, that I do not even need to sculpt. I want to make sure that I am more of a "guide on the side" than a "sage on the stage," because that is a way to very quickly become burnt out. Furthermore, I will always exchange ideas with other teachers, because I get so excited when I think about a new engagement strategy or a new angle I could bring to an activity. My coworkers inspire me!
Include one quote from your reflective coach or administrator about your talents or strengths. "Ms. Johnson continually strives to create engaging lesson plans that challenge her students and require them to think critically. She creatse an environment where students feel comfortable making mistakes and more importantly learning from them. Her classroom provides a safe place for students and she is consistent in her expectations." - Assistant Principal Cahoon
Advice for new teachers
One piece of advice I would give to new teachers entering the profession is to seek out mentors you respect. One of the mistakes I made as a new teacher was trying to do everything myself, because I wanted to prove that I could. There are a lot of excellent seasoned teachers who have learned for experience what works best for students, and it is not lazy, but wise to seek out their expertise. Even if you are in different subject areas, there are ways to adapt engagement strategies, teaching ideas, and classroom management methods. And sometimes, as much as I absolutely adore my students, I just need to talk to an adult!