As a substitute teacher, you may be looking to create some New Year’s resolutions to help you improve your teaching skills and make the most of your time in the classroom. While it can be challenging to create resolutions that are both achievable and impactful, here are some tips that can help you create realistic goals that can help you grow as a substitute teacher:
Reflect on the Past Year
Taking the time to reflect on your past experiences can help you identify areas where you can improve. Consider the classrooms you’ve been in, the lessons you’ve taught, and the students you’ve interacted with. What were some of your successes and failures? What did you learn from them? This reflection can help you grow as an educator and be better prepared for future substitute teaching opportunities.
Be Specific
Instead of a vague resolution like “be a good substitute teacher,” set a specific goal such as “engage every student in at least one meaningful conversation during the class period.” Having a specific goal gives you something concrete to work towards and helps you to be more intentional in your approach to teaching.
Make Your Resolutions Measurable
When setting your resolutions, it’s important to make them measurable. This means that you should be able to keep track of your progress over time. For example, “take on 10 more assignments than last year.” Making your goals measurable will help you to stay on track and gauge your progress toward achieving your objective.
Create a Plan
Once you’ve identified your resolutions, create a plan for how you’re going to achieve them. Break your goals down into smaller, more manageable steps, and create a timeline for when you want to achieve each step.
Be Realistic
While it’s great to aim high, it’s also important to be realistic about what you can achieve. Setting too difficult or unrealistic goals can set you up for failure.
Find Support
Having support from others can make a big difference in achieving your resolutions. Consider connecting with fellow substitute teachers or joining a community group for substitute teachers in your area.
Celebrate Your Successes
Every day presents a new challenge and opportunity to demonstrate your skills. Remember that your hard work and dedication make a difference in the lives of your students, so take time to acknowledge your accomplishments.
By following these tips, you can create New Year’s resolutions that are achievable and will help you make positive changes in the classroom. Good luck and happy New Year! If you’re looking for some examples of substitute teacher-specific resolutions, check out our blog 5 Substitute Teacher Goals for the New Year.