[Educator Network] Educator Reflection Questions for Wrapping Up the Year

Educators are always creating and building student goals and monitoring progress. When December comes around, we have the opportunity to look back over the previous months and think forward to the future. But how do we prepare for success in the new year? What questions should we be asking ourselves? What do we reflect on and what can we do to set ourselves and our students up for success in the next calendar year?

Reflecting on the year enables us to honor what we have been through and lessons we have learned. It also helps us discover what we are taking into the new year. I like the idea of reflection rather than resolution. Resolutions squash me under the weight of all that I am not doing. Instead of diving into all that you want to do in the coming year, give yourself some space to reflect on all that you have learned to help identify where you want to go. Here are a few prompts to help you get started:

Professional development and goals:

• What was biggest thing you learned this past year?
   
• What would you be willing to try outside of your comfort zone?
   
• What have you been procrastinating on that you would like to complete?
   
• What was your single biggest time waster this past year?
   
• If you had one more hour during the day, what would you do with it?
   
• What brings you joy at work?
   
• How would you like to bring more joy into your work?
   
• What does success look like for you in the upcoming year?
   
• What would you most like to be acknowledged for next year?
   

Personal development and goals:

• What is one word that you want people to use to describe you?
   
• What’s most valuable in your life right now?
   
• What would you try if you knew you could not fail?
   
• What brings you the most satisfaction and how are you going to do more of that?
   
• What’s one way you could have more fun in your life?
   
• Who are three people you would like to spend more time with?
   
• What was one of the most meaningful compliments you received this past year?
   
• What is one thing you’d like to change next year?
   
• What is one thing you’d like to continue doing next year?

There are other ways to approach this reflection business. If you were going to write a story about your year, full of the good and the not so go, what would you include? How would you set up the sequel? How would you get started? Try answering these prompts.

I want to repeat. . .

I want to enjoy. . .

I want to savor. . .

I need more. . .

I can succeed by. . .

My helpers are. . .

There is no right or wrong answers to these questions. You are the author. Write your chapter, use the most memorable stand out moments as a reflection and build from them. When you have this accomplished, find your soundtrack.

Don’t forget to include your students in your end of the year reflection! Check out this blog for tips on building your own reflection exercise to say goodbye to the old year.

No matter what your role in education or how much time you have to give, the Edmentum Educator Network can help you find your niche and grow your craft. Find out more about joining the Network today!