Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Exit Slip


It's hard to know what to write, on this, the second to last day of school, for me. This year was big, as you readers know. I went back to work, I moved from being a classroom teacher to being a paraprofessional, so much growth and learning happened for me this year.
I spent much of the year feeling insecure, wondering if I was doing things the "right way," knowing that there was so much I don't know, trying out different strategies and ways of teaching, crossing my fingers that something would stick, being nagged by a feeling that I should be doing more even though I'm only here 20 hours a week.
But I'm ending the year on a high note, with a positive evaluation from the higher-ups, and some changes in the works for September that will allow me to do more meaningful, deeper work with the kids. As I pack up my room for the summer, and sorting through things to keep and things to chuck, I'm doing the same with the content I taught this year--what worked and what didn't work, keeping a list of ideas I want to carry over to next school year, and new things I want to try.
And because I will always be a teacher, I know part of my summer will be spent thinking about these things, and doing some "teacher" reading, and I don't mind at all!

13 comments:

  1. A superb evaluation at the end of the year is a perfect "exit slip" as we bid one school year goodbye and beginning planning for the next one. Have a great summer.

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    1. Thanks, Glenda! I was so relieved to end on a good note.

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  2. Wow! Congrats on ending your school year on a high-note, Nancy :-) Enjoy your summer of "teacher reading"!

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    1. I will, thanks! My reading pile is small for now but I'm sure I'll find something to add to it!

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  3. BRAVO Nancy. I love hearing about your life adventures learning and teaching!!!! Glad you're sharing here.

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    1. Thanks, Bonnie. It's good to be back and have something to write about. :)

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  4. sounds like a lovely ending to the year! enjoy your summer--and the reflection time it brings.

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  5. These are important reflections at the end of a school year. Sounds like you had a great year and have amazing things ahead! I'm new to your blog and LOVE your writing intervention ideas you shared on Evernote. THANK YOU!!!

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    1. Jennifer, glad you like the Evernote links! I go back to them time and time again.

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  6. You are so right - teachers devote some of summer to reflection each year! You are off to a positive start, empowered by this great feedback. Happy summer!

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    1. Yes, empowered is a great word to describe how I feel! Thanks!

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  7. Congrats on a great year! Way to be a risk-taker and try something new! :)

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