Throughout my years of teaching, I am always so surprised of the assignments students remember and the information they retained. At the end of the year, I do a reflection survey amongst the students of what they liked most about the class and the activities they remembered most. Another thing that surprised me the most was my growth throughout each year. I believe I am more confident, more able to modify on the spot, and explore more resources that I can apply in the classroom. As a professional goal, I will strive to continue to engage and support all students. I know with every year brings new and diverse students that need to be introduce with a different learning technique. I believe understanding my students prior education and abilities at the beginning of the year will help me achieve this goal as I teach and make new lessons. I can remain a connected teacher by attending professional development within and outside my district. I can also continue to meet with my department to share resources and communicate on meeting grade standards. According to my CSTP, I noticed the standards I wasn't too strong on at the beginning of the year ended up being my stronger standards at the end of the year. through this reflection, I believe I met the goals I had put out to be better on.
Advice for New Teachers
One thing that has really helped me whenever I get stressed is taking trips on the weekend, planting new flowers, and meditation throughout the day. I really think this has helped me stay personally and professionally focused on teaching throughout the year. One of my mentors also told me not to take my work home with me. There will always be more thing to grade and modify, a teachers job is never done. However, you mind is a powerful thing, especially if you are molding the minds of others. Therefore, focus on mental health and what is going to help you sustain your energy for the whole year. Some advice that I have for new teachers is, "practice, practice, practice," because you will fail so many times before you succeed. Once you think you have a good system going, practice practice and practice some more. There is great growth throughout every aspect of the profession, all you have to do is never stop learning.