1. ALL student really can thrive if we provide them the conditions and opportunities to do so.
This year I experimented with taking away prompts for end-of-novel essays, refrained from being the one to provide the focus for reading (teaching students how to create their own focus instead), assigned a wider range of writing tasks than I have ever, allowed students to consistently interact with technology to enhance learning, and even allowed students to craft their own writing assignment and then write them. All of this led me to realize that given the correct circumstances and conditions, all students can thrive in their own, unique (but academic) ways.
2. Collaboration is WAY more than simply getting along and sharing materials.
True and mutually productive collaboration is a journey of frustration created by cognitive dissonance. It is a group of teachers, regardless how similar or dissimilar their beliefs are, working together to solve a problem, to achieve greatness. It is challenging one another's views on the matter at hand and listening openly to all points of view regardless of how they may or many not mesh with one's own. It is so much more than e-mailing some materials for a common prep or sharing revisions to a common final exam. Many people call their departments, classrooms, or schools places of collaboration, but are they?
3. Writing is powerful.
This has been my first year writing a blog, and it has been one of the best decisions of my professional life. Between this blog and other blogs to which I have contributed, I have published around 10-15 pieces this year; however, I have written (started, finished, and/or dabbled around) nearly 40. And all 40 of these writing experiences have helped guide me to new understandings (about myself, my job, and education). I encourage you all to write...write a lot...
4. It's okay to admit you need help
I wrote a blog about this earlier in the year, but I want to come back to it now because this became very personal for me at the end of this year. For some reason, I have always been someone who just would "figure it out on my own." I didn't let stress get to me, kept my head down, and just kept grinding (like I could work my way out of my own stress). However, this year stress got the best of me. I got to a point where it was really hard to focus on my work because I was too worried I would never get it all done (a feeling I really had never had before); however, thanks to the help of great friends and wonderful mentors, I was able to admit that was how I was feeling and allow them into my world to help get me refocused. This was a huge realization for me, and I thank my friends and mentors for their support.
5. I am lucky
I know that most all teachers will say this about their jobs, but I really am so very blessed and lucky. I get to work, each and every day, with 21 of the best teachers around. Each of them, on a regular basis, teaches me so much about teaching, kids, and life. They do amazing work with kids and for one another. Furthermore, I got to spend the year with the amazing #bronke3rdhour class. These 27 students took risks, challenged one another, embraced frustration and failure, and had fun doing it. I couldn't have asked for a better class, and I thank my lucky stars every day for the opportunity to work with the teachers in my department.
So, as your school year comes to an end, I challenge you to ask yourself, what did YOU REALLY learn this year...and, if you have time, write about it. We can all learn from one another.
