New Year's Resolutions

I love making New Year’s resolutions. Perhaps it is my fascination with creating lists and checking things off of the list. Perhaps it is the idea that each year is a chance to start fresh, and envision fabulous accomplishments. Perhaps I simply like the word “resolution” with its strong clear meaning, and the way the “r” sound rolls off my tongue.

Regardless of the reason, this year I decided to share some of my “teaching” resolutions with the world (or at least my friends who are kind enough to read my little musings). In the past, my teaching resolutions involved me giving more of my time, energy, and patience to my students. This year, I have decided to that my resolutions are to help me create a more balanced approach to my work:

• I will give less homework.

I have always striven to give meaningful work, but I will continuously evaluate the quantity to make sure it is appropriate to the goals. (I am sure students will appreciate this one.)

• I will leave work at a reasonable hour.

I try to make myself available to my students, but lately I realized that I am spending too much time at work. The truth is that my personal time is valuable too. A teacher who feels worn out cannot be good for anyone!

• I will pursue my interests during my free time.

I am always encouraging my students to pursue their dreams in sports, drama, music, art, etc….Isn’t it time I went back to being a role model in this area too?

• I will continue to spread the message that learning is fun, education is important, and there are no limits to creativity….

Long after students have forgotten the content, the quizzes, and the projects, my hope is that they remember that a teacher believed that every student had gifts and talents to offer in the classroom and beyond.

Wishing everyone a very happy New Year's celebration!