New Year's Resolutions

As much as I love summer, we are quickly counting down towards the start of a new school year.  This summer we asked our teachers to reflect on their year, identify an area of growth, set a goal, and create an action plan.  We had great honest reflections and I felt that I needed to complete one as well.  Since I was able to see teacher goals, I feel I should also share my goals with them.  I'll do this on my "Coaches Corner" newsletter during our first week back.  I think this helps clarify my purpose and direction as a coach and allows teachers a window into my world.  I also wanted to share my goals with you.  Through various chats this summer, we've talked about the power of reflection and self-evaluation.  I think it is one the singular most important things that we as educators can do.  So, without further adieu, here are my goals for 2016-2017.

1.  Blog
I want to use this as a tool for reflection this year, a record of my thought process, and a place to celebrate the work I do with teachers.  This is my first step toward that goal.  :)

2.  Diversify my coaching.
I spent a lot of time working in coaching cycles last year and while that was great, I felt that I needed to be in more classrooms.  Diane Sweeney says it is not realistic to try to engage in a cycle with every teacher, nor is it necessary.  That alleviated a little of my guilt.  I developed a coaching menu at the end of last year and I plan on sharing that early on and periodically throughout the year.  I will also be more proactive about looking for opportunities to plan with and have coaching conversations with teachers.

3.  Be present and listen.
As teachers we pride ourselves on being multitaskers; however, there is a time and a place to clear head space and just be there in the moment.  I need to make this a priority.  It shows teachers we value them and their time.

4.  Consider what's next and not what's wrong.
Thank you Eric Sandberg of https://yourinstructionalcoach.com/ for giving me a new philosophy.  It's all about growth and we have to learn from the past and leave it there.  I'm going to post this on computers, walls, etc.

Have you taken the time to reflect and set goals for next year?  There's still time.  I think it helps us zone in and prioritize in a world of crazy.  Enjoy these last lazy days and Happy New Year!!