Reflection, intention and a prayer for the new school year:

Yes. I said it. The school year is upon us and teachers are hustling and bustling to switch mental gears from summer to more formalized days. Parents are in stores trying to check off the list of supplies needed for the year and students are either dreading or looking forward to classes. During all this activity we call “gearing up for the new year,” it is important to remember that we all should take time for reflection, intention and prayer. I usually do not share my thinking process “behind the scenes;” however, I believe it is important for us to learn how various individuals ready themselves for the classroom, as it is a sacred place.

Before sharing my reflections, intentions and prayers that prepare me up for the new year, I first want to share with you a song that always puts me in a space of thanks.

Song: Donny Hathaway’s “Lord Help Me”

Reflection (What I ask myself before the year begins. These questions are applicable to students and teachers):

1. What were the highlights of the school year last year? How can I replicate this?
2. Where did I excel most?
3. Was I challenged enough? If I was not, what can I do to ensure that I have the accurate level of challenge?
4. Which class(es) were my favorites? Why?
5. Which class(es) were my least favorites? Why?
6. What were student responses during the evaluation process? What can I do to improve the classroom experience  based on their suggestions?
7. Did I schedule enough me time during the year?
8. Did I schedule enough family time during the year?

Intention:

1. I’m usually very reserved when sharing information about my home life. At the same time, I know that this information is important to share if you expect to build trust and community. Especially for purposes of personalizing lessons and discussions in the classroom. Considering this, I intend on sharing more about my life with my students.

2. Consultations are usually an optional feature for students who require additional assistance. I plan on making consultation a requirement for the first term. I feel that if students can get over the initial consultation meeting, scheduling the following consultations should be a less complicated matter.

3. I’m seeking ways to discover each one of my students’ gifts in the context of our class dynamic. I plan on doing this by designating room for open-topic writing assignments and journal entries. In the past, I allowed one student to continue writing her novel for her journal entry assignments instead of responding to prescribed prompts. She is now working with me through an independent study course (more on her journey in future posts).

Prayer:

……, thank you for blessing me with the great opportunity to help shape lives. The teaching field is an incredibly rewarding career where I have the opportunity to build upon skills learned and share them with colleagues and students alike.

Thank you for blessing me with another day of life and the hope that I will continue to see more days where I can be(come) more of my authentic self. May this authenticity translate into having more of a connection with my students. Bless each one of them as they face challenges that will shape them into the beings they are evolving into everyday. Bless their parents as they learn how to allow their children more independence. Moreover, help parents to feel confident that all who are in contact with their children have their best interest at heart and are in the teaching field because of the responsibility that they feel for the youth.

Continue to teach me how to work smarter and not harder than is required. Allow me to share my knowledge in a manner that will spark many “aha moments” and encourage the discouraged.

Thank you for allowing me to recognize the important role that I play in my classroom, community and in this lifetime. Thank you for allowing me the insight and the strength to be at peace with the realization that I am where I need to be in this very moment. Therefore, I will give my all to this very moment.

As you prepare for the school year, what do you do to get yourself in a space to teach? Please feel welcomed to share below: