End of Year Reflections

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 My 3rd year of teaching ended last week. It was a fast whirlwind year that was filled with many ups and downs. I will be honest in saying that it was one of the most difficult years I have had so far. I also learned and grew more as a teacher than in any other years. As I reflect here are the big takeaways from this school year. 

  • I went to a lot of professional development trainings outside of my building this year. I had students with challenging behavior and I didn't feel like I had all of the right tools to help my students succeed. I went to PD about special education and behavior!
  • I became more understanding about students with special needs. I learned so much about working with students with trauma, ADHD, and behavioral needs. One of my closest teacher friends is a life skills SPED teacher and we went to a lot of trainings together. I have learned that so much a population of students who are frequently underserved that I hope to possibly get a special education endorsement in the future.
  • Better classroom management. My management skills have greatly improved this year and I've become better about creating consistent systems. 
  • New teacher friends! I think one of the best parts of teaching is the adult relationships that we get to build among teacher friends. My team was full of fun personalities and we bonded over lunches and persevering through the year together.  One of my team mates and I have become close friends - we shop together, watch each other's pets, and went on a girls trip to a teacher conference!
  • Tough kids need the most love. (enough said)

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