TL;DR:
- Before moving on to the next quarter of the school year, spend time reflecting on how the last quarter went.
- What would you like to change going forward?
- What is so wildly important that you cannot afford not to address it?
“Developing habits of continual growth and improvement requires self-reflection. As we as individuals, staffs, and organizations reflect on our actions, we gain important information about the efficacy of our thinking. These experiences let us practice the habit of continual growth through reflection.”
– Art Costa and Bena Kallick, Educational Leadership – April 2000
End of the First Quarter Reflection
As teachers come to the end of the first quarter, take a moment to reflect. Reflection allows us analyze our professional growth and progress towards our goals! We live in a world focused on bell schedules, deadlines, grading periods, faculty meetings, and district initiatives. It is easy to allow our work schedule and daily duties to consume our time and thoughts. The questions below can be used for individual reflection or with a team of teachers. Reflect on the first quarter of the school year.
Schedule time to pause and reflect on the first quarter. Lean into the second quarter and focus on the things you can control. What is so wildly important that we cannot afford not to address it? Click To TweetRevelations
What were your “Aha!” moments?
Reduce
How will you reduce the noise in your professional life so you can focus on your priorities?
Reconnect
Who will push you to achieve your professional goals?
Revisions
What would you change or revise if you were given a second opportunity?
Recommit
What are 2-3 areas in your professional life that you will recommit to in the next 30 days?
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End of Quarter Reflection: Focus on the Things You Can Control
Students depend on educators, and continuous improvement will support teaching and learning. As we continue to live and work in a world that is disrupted by a global pandemic, there are several things in our control. You can take control of your life and your professional growth by reflecting on each question. Schedule time to pause and reflect on the first quarter. Lean into the second quarter and focus on the things you can control. What is so wildly important that we cannot afford not to address?
About Steven Weber
Dr. Steven Weber is the Associate Superintendent for Teaching and Learning with Fayetteville Public Schools (AR). His areas of research include curriculum design, formative assessment, professional learning, and school leadership.
