One of the great benefits of teaching is that there is a beginning and end to each year. It naturally leads to a time of reflection. This year, once again, had many highs and lows for me as a professional. On a high note, I saw several of my students grow and mature as people; on a low note, I sadly witnessed a few who didn’t seem to grow or mature at all. Such is the life of teaching 9th graders I’m afraid. I finished what I feel to be my strongest personal teaching performance yet in my career, just as I plan to move out of the classroom; Murphy’s Law? I’ve seen some wonderful colleagues move on to new jobs, and one in particular leave the profession; but, I feel blessed to know that many diligent and accomplished teachers will working with me in the middle school next year. But I have not even touched upon the big questions, yet. How have I changed as a professional? What mistakes can I avoid in the future? What successes can I help myself and others replicate? For these are the true seeds one must sow in order for a new tree of future enhanced performance to grow.
At this point I’m too close to the moment to diving into the ocean of reflection, I need time and distance from KIS to properly analyze the year. I must first enjoy some rest; read a couple of good books; celebrate my parents’ fiftieth wedding anniversary; travel to Playa del Carmen to study Spanish for four weeks; and then I will have thought about this year. My successes, my failures. I will share these with you in the near future.
