Professional Growth Goals for a New Year



I'm linking up with Amanda at One Extra Degree to share my Professional Growth resolutions for 2013!

My first goal revolves around the Common Core Standards... I want to be more familiar with them and not always having to go back and double check myself! It seems so many teachers in blogging land have been using Common Core standards for a while, but in California (or at least in my district) we seem to be making the transition now and 2013 will be a big year of "out with the old and in with the new Common Core."

Another goal is to work on growing this blog! I had been stalking other blogs for a long time and decided it was time for me to join the fun this year. And fun it is... I will say, I have learned a lot and what's even more true is that I know I have A LOT more to learn. I love blogging, I love TpT and I love all the other teachers I am meeting because of it all. I hope to get more followers and be able to share more ideas in 2013!

My last goal is to better learn how to manage my class of 29 kindergarten friends! Yes, 29! I am not sure if this fits under the "professional growth" umbrella...one could argue that "classroom growth" is a different area.

When I started teaching, in 1999, I only had 20! Then I taught the upper graders for a while so 29 to 33 was manageable. Then I returned to the little ones and was rolling with 24 and this school year, for the first time, I have 29. It is HARD to do small group instruction and see the kiddos as often as I want! I am hoping this isn't a forever change....it can't be, right? Since September I have been trying out different ways to see all my reading groups....but I haven't found a plan I am 100% happy with. So my goal this year is to be more creative in how I plan my day and how I run groups in all subject areas.

I really could keep going with more goals... In fact, I was just reading Deedee Wills post about this same topic and think I want to read a few of the books she listed, too!

2013 will be a busy year! Bring it on!




11 comments

  1. Christy,

    I found your blog over at One Extra Degrees' Linky! 29 kindergarteners is crazy!! I have 18 first graders as we have a maximum class size law here in Florida. We also jumped into common core in k and first this year.

    Good luck on your resolutions:)
    Tammy
    The Resourceful Apple

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    1. Yes, my life with 29 little ones does feel crazy at times. I wish California still had laws on class size... we used... but not at the time being. I was just checking out your blog and am your newest follower.

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  2. Good luck with common core... You will do great!!

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  3. Doesn't California seem like we're behind the curve? We are just starting to think about it in our district and I have been asking for the past two years. Hopefully we will be prepared for the changes. Good luck in the new year!

    Amy
    Mello’s Memos

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    1. Yes it does! Why are we behind? Also why did California have to personalize the Common Core with our very own "California Common Core Standards?" Just to confuse us I guess... good news is there aren't too many differences that I've seen so far! Thanks for stopping by my blog.

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  4. Hi Christy! I found you through the linky party. First of all, your blog design is too cute! Second, 29 kindergartners?!! Oh my. Are you familiar with Whole Brain Teaching? If not, YouTube it! It may give you some new strategies and techniques. Also, my district is not switching to the Core until 2013 either, so I feel your pain about being behind! I hope you are enjoying your break!

    Kate
    EduKate and Inspire

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    1. I will check out Whole Brain Teaching... thanks for the tip. Glad to know other districts, especially those not in California, are making the Common Core move in 2013! Thanks for stopping by.

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  5. Wow, I am so impressed you have 29 students. I cannot even imagine! Good luck with all your goals. I'm your newest follower!

    Danielle
    Carolina Teacher

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  6. I just found your blog through the New Years linky! I can't imagine 29 kindergarteners. NC has a cap at 24 for all K-2 classrooms, and even 24 first graders feels crazy! Best log luck with your goals! I am a new follower!

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