It is nice this time of year to hit the reset button. Even if you don't make a New Year's Resolution, you still can enjoy two weeks away from the building and have the opportunity to reconnect with family, relax and gear up for the second semester. As educators, we actually have the luxury of doing this twice a year. For most of us, the feeling on the last day of school is much like New Year's Eve. Additionally, the return to school in August is often filled with new goals, plans, fresh ideas and resolutions.
With this in mind, let's use this New Year 2015, as an opportunity to head into the second half of the school year with a full head of steam and a fresh approach. This week is filled with lists of the "Best of 2014" and "Tips for Successful Resolutions". Instead, I have included a List of Mid Year Solutions. These are some suggestions for things you can stop doing or start doing in the New Year. Hopefully, you reflect, reset and continue to have a productive and satisfying school year. Happy New Year!
1. Show and Tell
Sharing best practices has been a strength in our building for many years. I say over and over again that our most valuable resources are our people. Be willing to share. Stop worrying about what other people think. Be proud of what you do and share it with others. It makes us ALL better when you do.
2. Start Small and Dream Big
Even small changes can have a huge impact. Maybe it is as simple as putting your plans on-line, starting a classroom Twitter account, or using a new feature in Schoology or Google. Be thoughtful about your changes and try to make decisions that will not only increase your effectiveness but also your efficiency.
3. Stop Waiting
If you have an idea or lesson you have been wanting to try, stop waiting! Take a chance. Time is hard to find. If not now, when? Give it a shot and find the time to try something new.
4. Stop Being a Stranger
Use your TBTs! I know we have put some increased emphasis on these meetings and tighter agendas. Show up, share, bring data, but most importantly make these meetings work for you. Use the time to connect with your team and be a part of something great.
5. Stop Standing in Your Own Way
Sometimes we are our own worst enemies. We get caught up in the way we have always done things. We get lost in our pile of papers and emails. Set yourself up for success.
6. Stop Thinking You Have to Get It Right the First Time!
We learn just as much from our failures as from our successes. If you have been wanting to try a new technology tool, a flipped lesson, or some flexible grouping then go for it. If it flops, tweak it and try again next time.
7. Don't Be Afraid of Conflict
In many of the TBTs, I see opportunities for good discussion that often passes by because we avoid conflict. Don't be afraid to speak up. A professional discussion (even in discourse) will lead to making us better. Don't be afraid to have difficult conversations.
8. Stop Placing Blame
In many cases, we don't control what others do (students, parents, teachers or administration) but we do control how we react. Be a positive person and put your effort into making things better for you and your students. Placing blame on others only prevents us from focusing on the possible solutions.
9. Remember Why you Got In This Business!
With upcoming testing, scheduling, and the inevitable winter weather, it is easy to get in a rut. Stay focused on the positive, reflect on why you chose to be an educator. Write a positive referral on a student, find the small successes even on bad days and tomorrow will seem a lot more manageable.
10. Have a Great New Year and a Rewarding Rest of the School Year!
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