Reflection

As I ended my first year of teaching I was flustered and exhausted. The year was ending on a bitter sweet note. I had suffered a great loss during the year, and was embarking on a fresh start heading into summer. I wanted nothing more than to leave my school and all of the negative things that happened that year, behind me. I needed to be healthy and well. I had given up on the possibility that time in the district would ever get better, though. This attitude ultimately caused me to suffer another loss at the end of the summer. I was devastated, resentful, and bitter.

 Fast forward through summer and there I was, sitting in a district mandated in-service called "Capturing Kids Hearts." The facilitator shared many strategies that could be used to motivate and encourage students. But more than anything, I remember her saying this, "You can only change you." Not only was this statement (as well as the ensuing conversations surrounding the comment) monumental in my shift of attitude, but it opened up the best I had to offer. 

With my new attitude in tact, I started my second year fired up and ready to be a better teacher than I had been last year. I sat down and I thought about my challenges from my previous year. I did not consider the actions of my students, parents, nor my administration. I only considered my actions. I spent a great deal of the week prior to the start of school, considering things that I could do better. By doing this, I was able (before the first day of school), to accept the fact that I could not change anything about my situation except my own willingness to maintain a positive attitude no matter what I faced. 

I showed up, day 1, with a great attitude. I stopped complaining. I started meeting (and in most cases) exceeding deadlines. I allow my students to make mistakes, without the expectation that they will be perfect. I dropped my negative attitude towards administration, and "bought in" to their visions and plans for the school and district. All of these changes created a work environment that allows me to focus on the success of my students. I have been so positive that I was added to the Leadership Team. I also received Teacher of the Month. These distinctions would not have happened last year because I was so negative and dissenting. I now know that my previous attitude only affected MY professional, as well as my physical, health. 

I feel that my professional growth is going to better prepare me for future positions.