Take Time to Refocus

Refocus...Refocus...Refocus

As the New Year begins, it is time to reflect and refocus my career as a teacher. I'm not one for making resolutions because resolutions usually aren't kept. We strive day in and day out creating stimulating lesson, sometimes effective, but other times fail. Educators must take time to recharge and refocus their purpose and idea for their students. Before I left for Christmas break, I had one of "those" days. During lunch I wrote the following five questions to help me refocus and attempt to improve myself, my school, my district, and the field of education.

1) What is the biggest challenge facing our students?

2) What is the biggest challenge facing our district?

3) What challenges am I facing as a teacher?

4) What is the biggest challenge facing the educational system in the United States?

5) Knowing what I know and controlling what I can control, how can I improve my classroom, my school, and the national education system?

Each question solidifies the reason I am a teacher. Students need me. They need you. I see value in the education of young people. The challenges are many...the solutions are few. We, as educators, must take the time to refocus and go back to the question: why do you teach?