This is the first school year that I’m actually setting goals for myself. I’m sure I’ve had goals before, but this year I decided to make it official. As in, I’m writing my goals down. As in, I’m putting them out there for the whole world to see. I’ll start by saying that I begin thinking about the new school year as soon as the old one ends. This year, that feeling was intensified because I went straight from the last week of school to a week-long training course. At the end of that week, my mind was whirling with ideas and it hasn’t stopped all summer. I’m still sorting through all the ideas in my head, but here are a few that have held firm:
Goal #1: Professional Development
As I’m sure most educators (especially those in the private sector) know, it’s been a tough couple of years. This past year was the first time in a while that my school was able to prioritize Professional Development; I was lucky enough to attend a local Montessori conference, a Council in Schools workshop and I did the training I mentioned earlier. In 2014-15, I’d like to continue that upward trend in PD, and increase it. Here are some Professional Development ideas that I’m interested in:
- Attending the 2015 American Montessori Society (AMS) Annual Conference. It’s in Philadelphia, so this would be a twofer. I consider travel to be a very important part of Professional Development!
- Visiting other Montessori schools, especially ones with Upper Elementary classrooms. Again, travel is part of this one, though I intend to start locally. Unfortunately, other Montessori schools are often closed when I have the time to travel. Catch 22? I think so.
- Read, read, read! I’m not as well-read (educationally speaking) as I’d like to be. In addition to reading Maria Montessori’s books, I’d also like to read those by Paula Polk Lillard and Jonathan Wolff.
- Possibly take a Teaching Art E-Course from Deep Space Sparkle.
Goal #2: Create a Peace Corner
In the past, I’ve combined my Reading Corner with my Peace Corner. (Probably because reading is my peaceful activity! And, okay, because space is limited.) This year, no matter what, I want to have a real, dedicated Peace Corner complete with Peace flags, labyrinths and Zen Garden. I’m also planning to have a massage basket in my Peace Corner to help students with centering and connecting mind and body.
Goal #3: ORGANIZATION
I’m not organized by nature. It’s something I have to work at, especially as a Montessori teacher. I have a system of record-keeping, file cabinets for paperwork and binders for curriculum, but they need to be improved upon. I can keep the work on the shelves organized, but my cupboards are another story entirely. I’ve been scouring Pinterest for organization tips, but it’s time to stop researching and put some of those ideas into action.
The Absorbent Teacher 