#Goals 2017-2018

As the school year gets underway, I see many posts about my friends' goals for the year. It's a bit like New Year resolutions for teachers, actually - August/September brings a fresh start and the chance to refocus! I have been thinking along the same lines, but have struggled to define goals for myself because I am still really learning this new job! In many ways, though, that has pushed me to what is most important. Here are some of my goals for the 2017-2018 school year:

1. Encourage

Couldn't we all use a little more encouragement in our lives? One thing I want to commit to, no matter where I am in life, is being an encourager! In this specific role, I am constantly giving teachers gentle pushes to think differently, to change, and to move beyond their comfort zone. Along with that needs to come the support and celebration when they do that! Because, truly, change is hard. And we need to celebrate even the small moments that add up to bigger change. Beyond my work, though, this is just the kind of person I want to be. Somebody who notices others, who lifts them up, and who spreads joy.

2. Learn

Being a learner is another lifelong skill that I want to develop! Being in a new job gives me ample opportunities for learning, as does the ever-changing field of technology. But it's more than just the content. One of my favorite things this past week has been the ability to go into several different classrooms and see what is going on - this is a luxury I never had as a teacher! It is amazing to see so many teachers with different styles, and there is something to be learned from everyone! I always want to keep a growth mindset and never become too comfortable with where I am at. My new role has brought the need to learn and grow to the forefront of my mind, but this is another trait that I want to develop in all areas of life.

3. Lead

Of course, everything circles back to my #oneword2017: LEAD. Leading from a new position can be hard. I still feel unsure about so many things, but by the nature of my job, I am being placed in a position of leadership (the same thing happened this summer). My natural tendency is to sit back, watch, and listen at first, but I'm not sure I'll have the chance to do that. In that case, I want to be willing to step up and lead as best I can! The good news: I am much more comfortable with this than I was a year ago - being a principal for a summer will do that to you. I hope I can lead in many ways - both those that are obvious and up front and those that are less seen, but no less important. I want to lead in my work, but more importantly, I want to be someone worth following in the way I live my life and interact with people.

As I look back over these goals, I almost think this post could be renamed #lifegoals. Leading, learning, and encouraging are not limited to my job, but traits I want to develop wherever I go! These objectives may not be the type that go in my formal evaluation, and they don't quite meet the criteria for SMART goals, but they are some very important things I want to focus on this school year.

What are you focusing on this year?