“A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” – Lao Tzu

I am in my fourth year of teaching and have had a professional blog to share with students for some time, but now I am aiming to keep a personal reflective blog. A place to put down thoughts about teaching or travelling, or any other topic that grabs my attention. I could say I was elbowed slightly into keeping this by an enthusiastic boss , but it will be interesting to look back on in the future and a great way to keep track of what goes on in a profession that changes so rapidly.

Last year at school saw a whole lot of changes, and lots of exciting projects come and go. It was great to be a part of things like the Microsoft Innovative Teachers’ forums, creating overseas links, pushing school leaders with using either chalk or mobile devices, and getting out and about on trips. I am lucky to work in a department that is supportive and challenging: with a boss that sets you up for all sorts of trouble but will help you get out of it,  an NQT whose enthusiasm and creativity will push me to constantly improve, and a resident commando who has your back when you need it. A great place to be, a bubble of creativity and energy which hopes to spread. And we work with amazing kids. Hard work at times, but rewarding and awesome to see develop and succeed.

The start of the school year inevitably leads to resolutions and target setting. The department has collective aims: to become leaders of innovation & creativity, to inspire our learners, and to continue to improve results, amongst others. Personally, I aim to spend more time learning from other professionals, through using blogs / Google reader / twitter more. I want my lessons to be more creative and inspiring. I want to do better for my GCSE classes and support them more. I want to be an even better team member & to support our NQT well through his first year. And I’d like to make the work-life balance a bit more, well, balanced.

One thing I know about this profession though, I will keep adding to and altering these targets / resolutions / wish lists (call them what you will) throughout the year. It’s a roller coaster, and it’s time to get back on.

Finally, one of my favourite quotations is “I am not afraid of the storms, for I am still learning to sail my ship” (Louisa May Alcott). This sums up my approach to teaching & to most things; I would rather try and fail than stand by. And I think that this is important for our learners, so much more is learned by making mistakes & fixing them or being afraid & conquering it than simply by just doing. So….bring it!