Accomplishments

Reflection on Accomplishments

Accomplished teachers know that educating our students is not a 7:30AM to 3:30PM job.  It is a career that includes time outside of the classroom.  I like my free time but also enjoy the volunteer aspects of education, and feel that students need to see teachers working outside the classroom.  I have learned, over the last few years, new ways to get students (and families) involved with extra-curricular activities.  I learned that organization is the key to success and that there must be a set schedule for events to happen in a timely matter, if events are to happen at all.  I would like to be more of an instigator of events, but fear and uncertainty stops me.  Fear of not being rehired in upcoming years coupled with uncertainty of board policies and parental views.  I am always ready with a helping hand but in the past, the initial ideas, plans, and contacts were always someone else’s forte.  Being backup is not a bad thing, it is just seen as weak by some educational eyes.  I feel stronger with my decorating/crafting and backup talents, leaving the front running to a colleague with a stronger persuasive personality.  When dealing with students and families in the future, I would like to make more phone calls/emails home.  We live in a technologically rich environment and I need to take advantage of the communication avenues.

Educators that are not willing to grow will wither.  The end of every seminar, class, in-service, and/or training session has always (but one) resulted with my increased reassurance of self and career.  Looking back on my learning experiences, however, I wish I had participated sooner in the discussions.  I am quick to comment when it deals with grade level or departmental issues in our district; yet, lack the same confidence at the county or state level.  My comments are just as necessary and I need to voice them sooner.

Collaboration is definitely my strong suite.  I enjoy meeting with others and sharing thoughts and feelings about our work and our students.  I feel that working together, communicating with one another, and feeding off of each other strengthens every aspect of pedagogy.  We all lead busy lives.  I have attended after school meetings, which others could not, and reported back with the results or training tips.  Working with the new teachers this year has also been fascinating.  I know what it is to be the new kid on the block and used that knowledge to ease the anxieties of our new eighth grade teacher.  Learn by doing as the old saying goes and I have learned more efficient ways to get through the day-to-day paper work simply by aiding her.    Teaching is a very stressful career.  I have learned that we must work together to effectively manage that stress and remain accomplished.