Reflection: The Key to Growth

It is true what they say, it takes at least 4 years to grow as an educator.  This year I have made strides, and just "feel" different.  Trial and error, and taking risks has been a huge part of who I am as an educator.  I have pushed myself to take all that I have learned to the next level, and have been rewarded for all my efforts by the students and their admirable reactions.  However; reflection has been a mere thought, and I know that this is something I must endure to truly take the next step in my journey.  I guess reflection is about clearing the mind, and seeking out what you can do to be better at what you do.  I guess reflection is a way to get people to understand you train of thought, your drive to succeed.  I guess reflection is a key component of who you want to be.  But, how do you start?  Is it just a sketch in a notebook?  Will I ever look back at that?  Is it a conversation with a peer?  Will that be meaningful enough to imprint in your memory for good?  How about a blog...a leap forward for all to see, read, and reflect on.  As scary as it is, it just might be the motivator I need to sit down and focus.  I have read other's blogs, how hard can it be?   Right?!

I ask my students to reflect all the time in my classroom.  It is a part of how they grow as learners.  To develop the complexity of the their thinking, and to understand why they have learned something that will one day connect to other tasks in their education and life.  But I often ask myself, why do I ask them to do the one thing that I have neglected to do for the past three years?

It could be as simple as saying that there is not enough time in my day to sit in front of a computer and type about my lessons or thoughts.  Or, I am not experienced enough to give advice to those that have been teaching for years; who am I to tell them what works, and what doesn't. Will colleagues take my thoughts personally, or will they see it as a way to refect?    All that aside, I feel it is time to push the barriers down, and face my fears of reflection.  

With that said...

At the beginning of the school year I found myself with yet another challenge.  How can I get better at what I do?  How can I become more innovative?  How can I bring more meaning to the classroom?  Who can I go to to help fulfill the needs of my students?  These questions are nothing new, only now they seem more powerful.  I have sought out colleagues this year that have shown me the true meaning of teaching through conversations, reflection, and research.  

Innovation has been key for me this year.  I wanted to bring my lessons to life, and by chance, I was introduced to the most amazing author, Dave Burgess.  Teach Like a Pirate was just the inspiration I needed to continue trekking.  It is not that I wasn't doing this already. I thought I was the only one that was taking the risk to stray away from our curriculum map.  Trust me, it is still not easy to persuade others that educating is not just what we see in our teacher manuals.  (That might just  be another blog.) 

I have also taken an interest in technology, and how it can be used in the classroom.  I filled out grants, and with fingers crossed, hope that they will be just what I needed to seek out what I want most, expansion to the real world of learning.  CCSS, promote college readiness.  College readiness is learning through the use of real world situations, peer interactions, risks, perseverance, and self exploration.  This can only happen if we have access to what has been given to us to explore by inquisitive minds, our students.   

I want to be the person to give that to them.  Educating is about evolving.  I want to evolve.  The students want to evolve.  So, let's evolve together.  What can WE do to make this happen?  What can I do to make this happen?  I would be lying if I said I had the answer.  But, I am sure not going to give up to find it. I will keep focused, take risks, and seek out people who are just as passionate as me to find a way to help bring meaning to learning.  

Reflection...as I sit here on my couch, sipping on my coffee, I have found myself smiling at my computer. Maybe reflection, is the sheer happiness of completing a task that will make a difference, not just for myself, but for others too.  

Those of you who have influenced me to take the leap into a world of education that is much deeper than following the books...thank you!