Reflect on Last Year for a Better Next Year!

Philosopher John Locke is quoted as saying "Education begins the gentleman, but reading, good company and reflection must finish him". We were all drawn to education by different forces. Some by a supportive classroom teacher, some by a relative that was in education and others by the desire to help kids be the best that they can be in this world. Whatever your reasoning we can all agree that growth is the key to a successful classroom and school. I want to get stale and show no growth, said no one ever! 

 As educators we are constantly reading. It may not always be for pleasure but there's always something. Summertime is when the tweets go wild with what books everyone has on their summer reading list. We've got that covered. If you don't read, it's a good time to start!
I like to look at good company as my PLN (professional learning network). When I joined Twitter a few years back it changed the way I looked at professional learning. Being active on Twitter connects you with new voices with new ideas. It offers support on a daily, or hourly, basis if you need it. It's up to the minute, personalized PD at it's finest. Follow me, I'll follow you back and we can learn from each other! Twitter @jasoncmcdowell 
Let's get back to the purpose for this entire post, reflection. It's the final piece to this quote about education. Reflection is valuable in so many ways. Don't like the way a lesson went, reflect and make adjustments. Had a difficult encounter with a parent? Take time to reflect on your next steps and what could have been done differently in the first place. We don't always have time at the end of the day to process everything that went on. This time of year is a great one for educators. It can be easier, not EASY but easier, to find some time to think about the previous year. What would you do differently going into next year. What pleasant surprises do you want to build on in your classroom, school or district?