Spend Time Looking Backwards

When the school year is over, So. Are. Teachers.  

We are tired. Exhausted. Drained. Physically, emotionally and mentally spent. 

We are so excited to turn off that alarm. Stay in comfy clothes.  Eat a meal that lasts longer than 10 minutes without being interrupted.  Use the bathroom whenever we want. 

BUT....

The perfect time for reflection is right before you leave for summer break.  I know it is tempting to not spend one more moment thinking about school, however there is SO MUCH power in looking backwards and reflecting on your school year.

It is proven that we learn from processing through our own experiences.  When we stop and spend time thinking about the academic year, we grow and develop professionally.  Insights, celebrations, frustrations and goals come with reflection.

Thus, I urge to take a few minutes to reflect, perhaps even jot down the answers to the following questions.  Even better yet....have a conversation with a colleague, administrator or coach!  If we hold conversations with others are reflections are amplified.

How did your school year go? 

Why was it so?

How did you grow?

How will it show?

I recently sat down with my building administrator to reflect on my year.  Although he didn't ask me the above questions, he did ask me to tell him one celebration, one frustration and one goal.  I very much valued the time I was able to spend talking about my year, and it allowed me to contemplate changes I want to make for next year. 

So before you turn off those lights and walk out the door, give yourself a moment to contemplate.  Trust me--it will be worth it!