Summer Teacher Prep: Summer Self-Reflection

Summer is the time to truly think about what worked for you this past school year, and what totally didn’t. Even if you had a great year, there is always room for growth. If you were constantly exhausted, behind on work, redoing lesson plans, or always saying “no” to social plans, it’s time for a change. As you likely have a bit more headspace this summer, let’s dive in and look back in order to look forward to what’s next. We’ll guide you through a thorough self-reflection and future-planning session to make the next school year your best yet.

Use our printable reflection tool to do this exercise on paper. 

Overall assessment

Was I happy with how this school year went professionally?

Why or why not? Explain by describing three examples.

Classroom practice assessment

• Students were regularly engaged in my class.
• Students showed academic and personal growth in my classroom throughout the year. 
• I was able to support and challenge my students consistently. 
• I tried new teaching strategies this year. 
• I utilized formative assessments regularly to inform my practice and made adjustments whenever necessary.
• My administration was satisfied with my classroom practice and we have clear goals for moving forward.
• I supported students in learning the expected content and skills throughout the year. 
• My students successfully demonstrated their learning on summative assessments.

Writing: Go into detail about your choices. Describe your experiences and noticings.

Professional practice assessment

• I managed my professional time well this year. 
• I managed my job stress well this year. 
• I maintained a healthy work/life balance this year. 
• I supported my own social-emotional wellbeing and supported my colleagues in this as well. 

Writing: Go into detail about your choices. Describe your experiences and noticings.

School culture assessment

• I created and maintained strong relationships with my students this year.
• I created and maintained strong relationships with my colleagues this year.
• I created and maintained relationships with student families this year.
• My students felt loved, safe, and supported in my classroom this year.
• I contributed to the school culture outside my classroom this year. 
• I ensured that students had a voice in my classroom and school this year. 
• I supported my colleagues in growing their professional practice.

Writing: Go into detail about your choices. Describe your experiences and noticings.

Looking ahead

Look over your responses above and give some thought to the areas for growth you may have surfaced. Consider the changes you’d like to make for next school year.

The next school year

Writing: Go into detail about your goals:

• Classroom practice goals
• Professional practice goals
• School culture goals
• I will need support in…
• My commitment to myself and to my students