Wrapping Up the Year: Reflect, Recharge, and Onto Next!

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As the school year draws to a close, it’s a time of mixed emotions for many K-12 mathematics teachers. There’s a sense of accomplishment in seeing your students grow, coupled with the exhaustion of months of hard work. As you prepare for a well-deserved break, consider these steps to reflect on the past year, recharge […]

Written By vmillerbennett

On May 22, 2024
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As the school year draws to a close, it’s a time of mixed emotions for many K-12 mathematics teachers. There’s a sense of accomplishment in seeing your students grow, coupled with the exhaustion of months of hard work. As you prepare for a well-deserved break, consider these steps to reflect on the past year, recharge your batteries, and get ready for the year ahead with some professional learning and reading.

Reflecting on the Past Year

Before you dive into summer relaxation, take a moment to reflect on the past school year. Here are a few questions to guide your reflection:

● What went well? Celebrate your successes, big and small. Maybe you found an engaging way to teach fractions, or perhaps you helped a struggling student finally understand algebra.

Incorporating CTL’s Adolescent Literacy Model (ALM) strategies across content areas can be challenging. However, many strategies are both suitable and powerful for use in the mathematics classroom. For example, List. Group. Label. (LGL) is an excellent strategy for engaging students in discussing and applying vocabulary before, during, and after a unit of study.

● How did your students grow? Reflect on the progress your students made, both academically and personally. Their growth is a testament to your dedication and hard work.

I observed elementary teachers support student growth through formative assessment. For example, a simple checklist identifying key basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division facts and the components of fluency was used daily to track student success. This checklist also guided teachers in designing future instruction for their individual students.

● What were the challenges? Identify areas that were particularly tough. Was there a specific topic your students struggled with? Did you face classroom management issues?

● What did you learn? Consider the professional and personal lessons you’ve learned. This can help shape your goals for the next year.

Recharging Over the Summer

The summer break is your time to recharge. Here are some ideas to help you relax and rejuvenate:

● Take a break from work. Give yourself permission to step away from teaching duties. Spend time with family, enjoy your hobbies, and get plenty of rest.

● Travel or explore. Whether it’s a far-off destination or a local park, change your scenery to refresh your mind.

● Stay active. Physical activity can do wonders for your mental health. Go for a hike, join a yoga class, or simply stroll your local Farmer’s Market. Local to the Louisville, KY area? Check out the Parklands at Floyds Fork event page!

Preparing for the Next Year with Professional Learning

While summer is a time to relax, it can also be an opportunity for professional growth. Engaging in self-selected professional learning can invigorate your teaching practices and inspire new ideas. Here are a few ways to keep learning over the break:

Professional Development Courses

● Online Workshops and Webinars. Many educational organizations offer online courses that you can complete at your own pace. Look for topics that interest you or areas where you’d like to improve.

● Local or National Conferences. If you enjoy networking, attending a conference can be a great way to learn from experts and peers alike. Check out the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) for events and resources. Along with my CTL colleagues in July, I will be attending and presenting at the SREB Making Schools Work conference in Nashville, TN. Come say Hello!

Reading

Expand your knowledge and gain fresh perspectives by diving into some educational books and blogs. Here are some recommendations:

Books

Math-ish by Jo Boaler Stanford researcher and mathematics education expert Dr. Jo Boaler presents new neuroscientific research on how embracing a real-world view of mathematics can transform our understanding and experience of the subject

High School Mathematics Lessons to Explore, Understand, and Respond to Social Injustice by Berry, Conway IV, Lawler, and Staley. A thought-provoking read that connects mathematics education with social justice issues.

Principles to Actions, 10th Anniversary by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, provides a comprehensive framework for effective mathematics teaching and learning, highlighting essential strategies and practices for educators.

Blogs and Podcasts

dy/Dan by Dan Meyer. He shares key insights on engaging mathematics instruction and curriculum design.

Math Equals Love by Sarah Carter. This blog offers practical tips, resources, and reflections from a high school mathematics teacher.

Make Math Moments by Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr. This podcast focuses on early childhood mathematics education, providing insights and strategies for teaching foundational mathematics concepts to young learners.

Planning for the Upcoming Year

As your summer break winds down, start thinking about the upcoming school year. Here are a few steps to help you prepare:

● Set Goals. Based on your reflections, set realistic and attainable goals for the next year. Focus on both personal and professional growth.

● Organize Your Materials. Take some time to organize your teaching materials and resources. Throw out or donate unused items. This can save you a lot of stress when the school year starts

● Stay Connected. Maintain connections with fellow educators through social media, professional networks, or local meet-ups. Sharing experiences and ideas can provide ongoing inspiration and support.

By reflecting on your achievements, recharging your energy, and engaging in professional learning, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the new school year with enthusiasm and fresh ideas. Enjoy your summer, and remember that every step you take now helps build a stronger foundation for your students’ success. Have a sunny, happy summer holiday!