Now is the Time for Change | Ep. 188

<p>Change is a word that often stirs concern and worry. Even if you are told that it will make things better, you have a bit of resistance because it is coming from an external source.</p> <p>How many times have teachers been asked to expect a new approach or curriculum after summer break? I have often observed that school systems work on a 3–5-year plan. Teachers are given a new curriculum or a schedule, receive a lot of training in the “new” method, and work hard to master the new approach. Then after 3-5 years, another administrator or school board takes over and proposes a new approach which starts the cycle over. That is forced change and you often have little say in how it will be implemented. That is a way of life as a teacher. However, I want to discuss self-motivated change; personal improvement that you take responsibility for and set personal goals to help you improve as a professional.</p> <p> </p> <p>If you are going to change, you have to have time to think and contemplate. It is impossible to change much during the school year because you are not in a personal growth mode. During the school year, you come to school, plan your lessons, deal with faculty meetings, supervise recess, clean your equipment room, and oh yes, you teach all day. Then, after school, you may coach or do afterschool activity programs. Where, oh where, are you going to find time to change? That is why I feel that when we get close to the end of the school year, it is prime time to think about personal and professional goals you want to make. If you wait until the end of the summer, all the angst and stress you felt about things at school will be forgotten. Now is the time to make a list of a few key things you would like to do differently. This will give you time to make plans, develop small incremental goals, and implement your changes next fall.</p> <p>There is an old saying in education that some teachers have taught for 20 years but only have one year of experience. The point being that if you don’t change and grow from you