Summer plans?
I know that several of you are finishing up your school year in the next week or two. From a professional standpoint, I’ve always looked at summer as a great time for renewal and focus. Oh, there are the usual classes, seminars, and conferences to attend, but my opinion is that there are many ways the professional educator can reconnect with their profession even away from these organized events.
For me, the first reconnection that needs to be made is the one with my “kid” side. A trip of some kind is usually in order, and this summer is no exception. Unfortunately, with three-and-a-half dollar gas (or more) looming on the horizon, my time very far away from home will be limited to one trip out of state. There are, however, plenty of things to do locally that don’t require a full tank of gas to get to. A new digital camera will provide some great memories and a record of my family’s trip away together.
The second reconnection is with my educator’s/professional side. Stephanie Sandifer offers up a really good professional learning plan in her LeaderTalk blog post, “A Personal Learning Plan for Summer 2007“. She emphasizes the SMART goal for professional improvement:
- Strategic/Simple
- Measureable
- Attainable
- Realistic
- Time-specific
I’m beginning to think about what that looks like for me. Certainly, I plan on gaining some insight at the counselor’s sessions of the InterMountain Educators’ Forum. And, I have two classes left in my school administration program before I begin my internship next fall. I plan on my own professional development occuring even after these organized sessions are finished, though. I’ll keep you posted as that begins to take shape.
Have a great summer, it’s just around the corner.
May 21st, 2007 at 9:29 am
Like you, I am also planning to do some work during my summer holidays. I am looking at revamping my teaching plans with things much more organized and incorporating the technologies I’m using in different ways. I’m also looking at some professional growth items but most will be of the online variety. I don’t think that teachers do enough thinking about their summer and it soon slips by. Not that I have things carved in stone but it’s always good to have a reason to get going in the morning! Besides, being idle usually ends up with me spending money on a project that I didn’t really plan out carefully! I like the use of the SMART goals - our division has incorporated these all levels and we’re finally beginning to get the hang of them. This summer will be a chance for me to work with them even more!