Take time for professional development, the reading of a good book, the creation of new lesson plans, and a new class or workshop in the new year!
New Year's Resolutions
Resolutions are a right of passage into each new year. This year, why not make an additional professional resolution to be a better teacher?
Great teachers consistently take opportunities for professional development. They know that professional growth requires continued education, so they take every opportunity to learn more about classroom management and learning styles. Better yet, they take time to personally enjoy the subjects they teach.
As another new year passes, breathe new life into your teaching!
Better Classroom Management
- Tests and Measurements: Do you know how to test what you want to test? What is the purpose of an assessment rubric? If you find yourself placing random grades on student work, it may be time to learn how to develop assessments.
- Do you understand the concept of multiple intelligences? Do you have strategies Heterogeneous classrooms: Do you use differentiation strategies so that all of your students are adequately motivated and challenged?
Understanding Learning Styles
- Do you know how to recognize giftedness through overexcitabilities?
- Do you understand the importance of fine motor skills in the development of handwriting and for overall academic success?
- Do you know how to reach students with multiple learning styles?
Learning More about Teaching Your Subject
- Keep abreast of new books about pedagogy and the subject you teach.
- Keep a library of parenting books to which you can refer anxious parents.
- Attend museum classes or visit potential fieldtrip sites.
- Visit the education section of your local library or bookstore, or rent a movie related to your subject. Are there new ideas that you could add to your class notes?
- Keep the content alive by developing at least one new unit or lesson each semester.
Never stop learning, and you will become a teacher who is truly a professional.
