#TeachersCan!

We are back!!

We are re-thinking our practice!

We are innovative and excited about new shifts, new thinking, and the opportunity to TEACH!!

While our work may be anything but ordinary right now, we are still focused on improving our practice and setting goals to help guide us along the way. Why??? Because #TeachersCan and WILL continue to build their practice even in the most difficult of times!

Are you looking to set goals for intentional improvement? We know #TeachersCan and we are here to help!

Identify your area for growth
Set goals and strategies
Monitor Progress
Adjust as needed

Hungry to learn more??? Keep reading!!

Improving your practice does not happen on accident. Especially when we have so much to learn in such a short amount of time. Being intentional about your learning and growth as a new teacher is imperative. Goal setting as an early career teacher will help you to develop your skills quickly and more efficiently and will have great impact on student outcomes. Getting into the practice of goal setting early on as a teacher will keep you focused on being a lifelong learner. A master teacher is always looking for ways to grow by refining and enhancing their craft. 

The first 30 days of school may look different than you have ever seen it look with many schools across the state starting in virtual environments. Whether you are starting in person, virtual, or a hybrid of the two, being intentional around your own learning and growth will support your overall experience and expertise as a teacher.  Let’s chat about how to start this process! 

Identify Your Area for Growth

What teaching skills or practices do you want to improve right now? With a little reflection, you probably know what is working and not working in your class(es).

If your answer is, “I don’t know”, you are NOT alone! In recent work UT Austin conducted supporting early career teachers through one-on-one coaching, we found that many new teachers felt overwhelmed and did not know where to begin when thinking about developing their new teaching skills. Here are a few skills and practices we found were most helpful for early career teachers to address quickly. 

• Time Management
• Procedures and Routines
• Effective Lesson Planning
• Working with Colleagues

Do these resonate with you? 

Consider some of these practices above? Where in your current work do you feel you would like to become a stronger teacher? 

Setting Goals

Goal Setting will help you to be more mindful and intentional about skills you want to improve, and with further planning, intentional goal setting can help you think through the steps (objectives and strategies) to help you reach your goals.  Setting SMART goals is a great place to begin. Set a goal that is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. 

*This is where a coach or mentor may come in handy!! 

Once you establish your goal, identify the measurable steps you will need to get there. If you aren’t measuring progress, how do you know you are getting closer to reaching your goals?! These measurable steps are your objectives. Your strategy is your actual action – what you will be doing.   

*Coaches/mentors can help you identify objectives and strategies to meet your goals. 

Once you have your plan, then it is time to attack! Keep your goals, objectives, and strategies in view (taped to your computer, on your planner, or somewhere in your immediate work space) and modify as needed. Choose an accountability partner (coach/mentor). Ask them to watch, provide feedback, and consider how you can measure your own progress based on how your students respond. 

What goal(s) are you setting for the first 30 days of school?? 

Your turn! 

Set your Goal(s) here and share what you are working on in the comments! 

September 21, 2020 | ElevateTxEd