Why Professional Goals Matter

 

Tweet by Whitney Flower, Lincoln Elementary School

“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.”–Abraham Lincoln

In the education business, time typically surfaces as a barrier, there is just not enough of it! Research and theory overwhelmingly reports the benefits of reflective practice and engaging in professional learning on outcomes, however, I would predict that educators are the worst at making time for this practice.  If you kept a journal of your week, an audit so to speak, what is your reality?  How much time is spent reflecting on the effectiveness of your practice?  Sharpening your skills?  Learning from others? If we know that teacher reflection and engaging in professional development improves pedagogical skill, let's make this a priority.

Perfect timing for this blog as this is the time of the year when we all set our professional growth goals.  As you engage in this process, reflect on your current reality and skillsets. Consider the 11 goals that we are working towards as a district, the focused goals identified for your campus or department, and the growth goals for the students in your classroom or content area.  Where will your growth have the highest impact or leverage on closing the gap and improving learning opportunities for our students? What specific actions will you take and when?  How often will reflective practice occur, how will you know when you have made progress (design), what measurement indicators will you collect throughout the year to develop automaticity or expertise? To be empowered to be instructional leaders, this must be a living process that occurs ongoing throughout the year.

Goal setting is important for ALL GIPs employees.  Everyone plays a role in providing a quality learning environment and educating our students.  Everyone contributes to the progress we make in achieving our district goals.  Think about your role and how you make a difference! Process your goal(s) with your supervisor. Set a goal to "sharpen your saw" no matter what department you work in!  

The time we invest in our own learning will result in amazing learning opportunities for our students.  

Here are a few resources for guidance with setting goals for this year. RISE up GI as a learning organization so that Every Student, Every Day, A Success!

Professional Goal Guidance-Certified Staff
Professional Goal Guidance-Admin
Classified Goal Setting

Jill Kimbrough Tweet-Walnut MS

Teamwork by Jenifer Ashby