Have you ever noticed that the longer that you go without doing something, the harder it is to get back into it? That's how I'm feeling right now about blogging. It's been 2 months since I last wrote something and every day I think, "Gee, I should try to blog today!" and everyday I put it off for just another day because I don't feel like I have much to say...
But that's not really true. I have a lot to say, just feeling bad about saying it. This year has been tough. And it's not just me - look around the blog-o-sphere and you'll see other bloggers saying the same thing. Now that the year is almost over and there are less than 4 weeks left of school, I'm in a reflective mood. Where did I go wrong this year? I know I had some great things happening, so how can I keep that joy throughout the year and not let the little things keep me down?
I'm also starting to think about next year... I have my teaching assignment and I'm really pumped about it. I'll be teaching two new courses and have some freedom to create the curriculum. In addition to developing the curriculum, I'd really like to take this opportunity to break away from the traditional teaching model if I can. I always start with that goal, but then the mid-year blues hit and I lapse into that traditional lecture style. I know why I do it - when the stress and blues hit me, it's "comfortable" to go back to the 'sage on the stage' mode, similar to slipping on the ratty sweatpants that you just can't bear to throw away. I want to really spend time working on rich tasks, problem based learning, whiteboarding, etc. I want my classroom to be a safe place where kids don't realize how hard they've been working because their engagement is so high. I want to get back into my online PLN and really
What resources have you found that really kick-start your professional learning? That really sparks your love of teaching and learning? I need to get rejuvenated. That's what I think was the biggest problem this year - I wasn't feeling the passion of loving what I do. I need to find my mojo again... my teaching groove....
I guess that's the start of my #summerlist :)
- Find mojo :)
- Find a good professional book to read/discuss (FYI: I really miss our twitter book club!)
- ...
I so appreciate your post! This was my first year back in the classroom after a tour of duty as an administrator. The transition has been good - but also a huge challenge. I can see so many areas I need to strengthen - so many things I want to do better in the coming year.
ReplyDeleteI'm not on Twitter ... but I'd love to know more about the book club! I am learning so much from the online math community!
Caren - definitely you should try twitter :) We have an amazing PLC over there that truly is my support group in so many ways! Twitter is hands-down the best PD I've ever participated in! Most of the people in my blog-roll are my twitter friends and are amazing teachers!
ReplyDeleteThe Twitter Book Club was started a few years ago when we started reading about Standards Based Grading. Over the years, we've read books on feedback, assessment, strategies, etc. I got away from it this year and felt myself losing ground as a professional as a result. I'm eager to get back to the book club, because that's when I grew the most. I hope you join us!
I feel like I'm reading a post that I could have easily written about myself! It's so nice to know I'm not alone in getting the teaching blues this time of year. I always get very reflective, which I guess is a good thing because it makes me excited to try new stuff the next year. I just hope there will come a year when I can stay motivated through the end of the year and look back and say "I did a good job, every day, all year long! I'm completely satisfied with myself this year!". Maybe one day....
ReplyDeleteI, too, have experienced many struggles this year. Its nice to know you are not alone - that someone else can offer support because they've been there as well.
ReplyDeleteYou / your reflection and lesson ideas have always inspired me to better my classroom. I am so glad to see you back in action - I have missed it.
I am definitely up for chats on any professional reading - just name the day/time and I'll meet you on Twitter!
Thank you for your honesty and reflection...looking forward to reading more!