What is the most important thing for us as educators? Where should we place our priorities? Are we making progress? moving forward? changing lives? As we move with unbelievable speed toward the end of this year, I am focused on assessing my 2008-2009 accomplishments. While my management objectives will be met, have I changed the life of one child? Have I impacted a teacher so that it is long-lasting.
Have I empowered, supported all of my team members, family, and friends so they have felt time spent was worth their while?
It's my personal assessment and it may not really matter to anyone else, but for me, the questions are monumental. I don't want glory, akalades or fame. To be truly humble is something I desire.
I just want to know-before I start this all over again next year. Did I do the most important thing?
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what a great, reflective question you pose in the end of your post. i think it's great because it packs a double punch, you have to figure out what the most important thing is and then you have to decide if you've done it. good stuff. i wonder if, when looking back on what i've done this year, if just deciding what the most important thing was would be enough for me, regardless of whether i "did it" or not.
ReplyDeleteWhat metacognitive modeling that can lead one to constant improvement you bring to us. As educators, I firmly believe our vocation calls for us to make a difference. What a good fit it is when educators live with that genuineness of management toward making a difference every day in both their personal and professional lives. What a fine balance of living the full human experience. Thank you for sharing your thinking and for your excellence in modeling.
ReplyDeleteReflection is truly the key to improving whatever it is we are doing. Thanks for that reminder Geri - truly most of us do not do not spend enough time in reflection mode. As educators, we are so responsible for so many souls. that fact drives me to the reality that I must lead a very balanced lifestyle - work, family, physical activity, and spirituality. When any one of those becomes stronger than the others, I cannot fulfill my goal to enhance the lives of those I encounter every day.
ReplyDeleteAs Stephanie asks us to look back at the chapter Symphony, this reminds me of the chapter on Meaning. I too have lived my life on the premise that I am here for a much bigger calling that myself and that I should try to have a positive impact on the lives that I touch especially as an educator. So yes, I oftentimes find myself reflecting on how was my decision making in this and that situation but I find that in the end it’s more about a deeper calling so I look there more often to find my answers.
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