Where did the summer go?

Just a few months ago you were jumping with joy because it was the last day of the school year.

Now you’re a few days from returning (if you haven’t already) to the sound of buses, bells, and bustling hallways.

Take a deep breath and read these 5 tips to help you start (and finish) the school year strong.

Were you teacher of the year last year? Maybe you were on probation? Possibly

somewhere in the middle. The success you had last year is not guaranteed, neither is

the failure. This new school year is a clean slate. Make a list of 5 things that worked

well last year that you can improve upon and 5 things that went wrong that you

should avoid doing this year. This will help you be more intentional about your

success.

We all know that teaching can be a bit lonely sometimes. Look for someone to

partner with you on your teaching journey this year. Find a teacher in your school

or in your area that you can check in with from time to time to brainstorm ideas

or share challenges. Set a date once a month to meet over coffee and chat. Come to

think of it they don’t even have to be close. Consider using Google Hangouts to stay

connected.

Take the time in the first few weeks of school to write a note or short letter to all

your students and their parents. Tell them part of your story, your plans for the

semester, and how much you’re looking forward to their success. Be sure to ask

for parental support and encouragement as well. This is a great way to affirm and

challenge your students.

After a few weeks of teaching the days being to drag on. Pick a day (or a few days)

in your schedule and to throw out the lesson plan. Do something unexpected (but

related) for your class. For example if you teach speech have an improv acting day.

Or if you’re a physics teacher have a snowball fight and then discuss the physics of

it! Remind yourself and your students that teachable moments can be fun.

Classic movies about great teaching are sure to inspire you to do your best this year.

You may want to watch these with popcorn in one hand and a notepad in the other.

Here are a few of my favorites:

• Lean On Me
• Stand And Deliver
• The Great Debaters

Jim Collins reminds us that, “Good is the enemy of great.” Don’t try to be a good teacher this year. Instead work hard at being a great one.

Photo courtesy of Oliva Bell Creative Commons