Before the School Year Ends: What’s Working? What Needs to Go?

Reflecting on what to keep, toss, and tweak

Heyyy SuperTeachers,

As the whirlwind of the school year begins to settle, and before the official close arrives with its flurry of final tasks and farewells, I urge you to carve out some sacred time for thoughtful reflection. Think of this crucial period as your personal "Keep, Toss, Tweak" session – an invaluable opportunity to take stock of the year's journey, to identify what truly served you and your students, and to consciously make choices about what to carry forward and what to release.

In the relentless pace of the academic year, it's easy to get caught up in the momentum, adhering to routines and practices simply because they've always been there. But as the finish line comes into view, it presents a unique vantage point. You have a wealth of experience from the past months; successes, challenges, moments of profound connection, and instances where things just didn't quite land as you'd hoped. Now is the perfect time to mindfully sift through these experiences and glean valuable insights that will inform your future practice.

This isn’t about initiating a full-scale overhaul of your teaching philosophy or curriculum. Instead, it’s about making intentional, strategic shifts that will enhance your effectiveness and well-being in the years to come. It's about recognizing the power of small, deliberate adjustments that can lead to significant positive change.

Consider the systems and structures you've implemented throughout the year. Which routines have fostered a sense of flow and connection in your classroom? What organizational strategies have streamlined your workload and created more time for meaningful interactions with your students? Write them down. These are the gems you want to actively keep, the foundational elements that contribute to a positive and productive learning environment.

Conversely, be honest with yourself about the practices that no longer feel effective or that consistently create friction or frustration for you or your students. Perhaps a certain assessment method consistently yields data that doesn't truly inform your instruction, or maybe a classroom management technique feels more punitive than supportive. Write them down. These are the practices you should courageously consider to toss, making space for new approaches that better align with your pedagogical values and your students' needs.

Finally, think about the areas where you see potential for growth and refinement. What aspects of your teaching are good but could be even better with a little focused attention? Perhaps a particular lesson could be made more engaging with a different activity, or maybe a communication strategy with parents could be tweaked for greater clarity. Write it down. These are the elements you'll want to tweak, revisiting them with a fresh perspective and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Call to Action: Right now, grab your planner, your teaching journal, or even just a blank piece of paper, and dedicate a few quiet moments to this "Keep, Toss, Tweak" exercise. Jot down at least three specific things: one routine or practice you definitely want to keep, one that you recognize is no longer serving its purpose and needs to be tossed, and one area that you believe is worth revisiting and refining for the future.

But don't stop there! Send these notes to yourself via a scheduled email that will pop up in your inbox the first week of August.

And as you embark on this process of reflection and renewal, remember that you don't have to do it alone. Our 1-Year Virtual Residency offers early career teachers a supportive community, expert coaching, and practical curriculum tools designed to help you not just reset, but truly rise in your profession. If you're ready to intentionally shape your teaching practice and build a sustainable and joyful career, we invite you to join us. Let's navigate this journey of continuous growth together.

Need immediate support? Let’s talk!

Every classroom is different, and sometimes you just need a thought partner to figure out what works best for you and your students. If you’d like to dive deeper into instructional strategies, student engagement, or just need a fresh perspective, schedule a coaching call! No pressure, just real talk and actionable steps to help you thrive.

Schedule a time that works for you here: Scheduling Link

In Partnership, Dr. O

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