End of Year Reflection

It's that time again when teachers and students are anxiously awaiting summer and the end of the year is in sight. Even though this can be the busiest and most exhausting time for some teachers, it's important to take some time and reflect on the school year and look to the fresh beginning that is around the corner. Charlotte Danielson's 4th domain includes a subcategory on reflection within 4a, reflection on teaching but I think that reflection on your goals from the school year is also essential. Reflecting after lessons and at the end of each school year regarding my yearly goals is one of my favorite things to do (not only because it means summer break is almost here but because I can see how far I've grown over the course of the teaching year). I find it allows me to focus on what was most effective and productive lessons and changes within the year and what I am still continuing to work on. It also gives me a vision of where I am headed. I have to admit that I'm a bit obsessed with reflecting and every unit (and most lessons within) I have an ongoing digital list of reflective thoughts that I review before I reteach the unit or lesson (since I teach the same units four times a year to four different groups of students I can easily make changes from semester to semester).

I also am obsessed with having my students reflect on their work and give them the opportunity at the end of the unit to offer me suggestions and feedback on the unit. Some of the best ideas to revise and restructure lessons to make them more meaningful and engaging have come from students.

Some of the questions that I usually ask at the end of each year are:

• Do I need to take additional professional development over the summer months to enhance a certain aspect of my teaching and learning?
• Do I want to learn about a new program or application? 
• Do I want to do research on a specific topic, lesson or curriculum idea? 
• Have I met my goals this year and what can I do to prepare and meet an ongoing goal? 
• Or do I just need a break to prevent myself from becoming jaded and burnt out? (Part joke, part serious)

As you are looking towards the end of the school year, I wish you a happy and healthy summer. Have fun reflecting!


I would love to hear how you reflect on your curriculum and if you are as interesting in reflection as I am. Please leave any comments or questions below.