Year 17

I received my 15-year service award from KISD today. This means I’ve been teaching for seventeen years.

17 years.

4 different schools.

6 different classrooms.

7 different grade levels.

At the end of every May, I get energized about the next August. I go through what worked, what didn’t work, and what I should do differently next year. I think because of this tendency, I struggle with recognizing my successes. I know I’m a progressive and always trying to push myself to be a better teacher, but I think I need to recognize what went well rather than just focusing on what I want to improve upon. So that’s what I’m going to do today.

  • I really enjoyed being the team lead this year. It surprised me, actually. I think after spending ten years over at Vistas, I thought of myself as a lone wolf, but I don’t think that is actually the case this year. I loved bouncing ideas off of other people and being able to capitalize on the strengths of the group rather than just myself.
  • I was supported by my administration and team when I introduced some maverick ideas, such as the team policy of buying back late points.
  • I had students thank me for putting so much effort into my class. One student said that this was only English class he didn’t fully “BS” during high school. I know that sounds snarky, but it was honestly a compliment.
  • I learned a lot from my first ear teaching Advanced Placement. Like all discoveries, some were energizing, some were eye-opening, and some were disappointing, but I feel way more prepared going into the 2018-2019 school year.
  • I am loving the way my classroom looks right now. It feels like a place that I want to be.
  • I have a good start to getting my classroom library organized thanks to students!
  • I have so many ideas for next year! Bring it!