What I've Learned...
Long Term Goals From My Individual Learning Plan
Over the summer, I was able to participate in a conference for academies called Moving the Needle, which inspired me to consider human-centered designs as I entered the new school year. "Human-centered design" refers to whether items (like school desks) or systems (like the bell schedule) were created with the ease of the user as a priority. With that in mind, I decided to seek out more opportunities to develop as a professional educator in order to improve upon systems, procedures, and lesson organization in the class environment that would enhance student learning.
By comparing my the CSTP assessments, I can see that I have made large strides from one year to the next. By reconsidering whether strategies were working for myself and my students, I have been able to make lasting improvements.
For example, instead of dictating a list of rules and procedures (and then being frustrated when students didn't adhere to my expectations), I allowed them to visualize what their ideal class and create expectations based on their priorities. What surprised me was the amount of buy-in this simple activity created for the students. At the end of the first semester one student told me that he was most proud of the Class Constitution because they spent a lot of time coming to a group consensus while outlining the expectations for the class.
Goals Beyond Induction
Going forward, I would like to continue to seek out challenging professional development (PD) opportunities that will allow me to improve student achievement while also being a contributor to the profession.
This CSTP is necessary because it will allow me to continue to grow within the profession, while improving outcomes for my students. It is important to me that I model what life long learning looks like for my students.
Action Plans: In the Spring, I took advantage of a six week PD opportunity to learn more about facilitating productive group work, which is important for student achievement, because learning is social. As the school year comes to a close, I am participating in a three week PD regarding Civic Engagement, Elections, and Youth Voice, which is an introduction to a larger six week PD in June led by the Civic Engagement Research Group.
Success: Ultimately, I will know that I am successful in seeking out high quality professional development opportunities if I am taking part in at least two interactive PDs per year.
Being a Connected Educator
In order to remain a connected educator throughout my career, I will need to seek out opportunities for growth. This will include, but is not limited to:
maintaining and contributing to a network of educators within my school site, district, and beyond.
Taking advantage of PD opportunities as they arise, either at my school site or offered by the district.
Consuming educational and content related material. Since I'm a history/social science teacher that includes both current and historical events, in addition to material related to pedagogy.
Sustaining Energy and Drive
In order to maintain sustainable energy and passion for education, I will need to ensure that I'm continuously learning and implementing new strategies.
By taking steps to ensure that I'm growing as a professional, my students will continue to be engaged and so will I. Additionally, by maintaining human-centered systems and reasonable expectations, I will be able to avoid a lot of frustration and burn-out that comes from spending time spinning wheels trying to get everything done perfectly the first time.
I would also like to ensure that I'm prioritizing my health so that I can be at my best while working with students. To maintain mental and physical health, I will need to ensure a strong foundation by fueling my body with healthy foods, recharging with sleep and exercise, and taking time to rest and play.
Advice for New Teachers
If you aren't having fun, then something needs to change.
Hint: it isn't the students!
If you are feeling frustrated by anything, think about the root cause of that frustration, and then try to fix it.
Is it a human-centered design problem? For example, a clock that's on the rear wall, causing students to take out their phones to check the time? Move the clock! Problem: solved.
Did you explain and model the assignment properly?
Are you feeling frustrated because your desk is covered in papers or you have no time? Consider getting some organizational systems in place (see my podcast suggestions for more info!).