Reflecting

I came across this quote today. 

I mean, REALLY!? I could not have said it better myself!

Halfway through my second year teaching, it's fun and sometimes really scary to reflect on where I was at this point last year. 

I came into the district two days before the school year started. My experience with teaching third grade was extremely different than what it is now. I was figuratively building my airplane days, sometimes hours before flying it. For the most part, our flight was successful. But of course, sometimes we crashed. . . and burned. 

I look back and think about how I could have changed this lesson, or that unit. What I could have done differently to make third grade a better experience for my kids. But at the same time, I think about how hard I was working, and how I needed to make those mistakes, or have those setbacks in order to learn from them and progress. I'm also reassured by the never-ending hugs, waves and smiles I get in the hallway. I'm always so thrilled to hear about their successes in fourth grade. I was seriously extremely lucky to have such an amazing class as my first set of kiddos. I owe so much of my teacher knowledge and motivation to be better to them. Next year, there will be things I wish I could change about this year. Hey, I am ALREADY thinking about the changes I could make for next year. 

I'm trying my best to keep my #oneword for 2016 in mind on a daily basis. It's all about progress, and learning from your experiences. And so far, it really has helped me in every part of of my life. And for that, I am proud. I am really excited about where I am heading and feeling inspired by some fantastic people at my school and district. As long as I keep thinking ahead to my goals, I am happy with any progress I can make no matter how baby the steps are. The key is to stay on the runway with the intentions to soar.