Plan Your Work-Work Your Plan

My high school boyfriend used to quote that. He loved to seem successful even  when we were teenagers. I was never much of a planner back then. I was more of a plunge in and see what happens next kind of person. That actually served me well and I have no regrets, but at my age I have finally experienced the joy of having a plan, experiencing the consequences of executing plans and succeeding in the process. As a teacher, one lesson I've learned is the importance of daily lesson plans. So, here's my advice to you, younger teachers.

Write lesson plans. I mean, really write them. For yourself. I know your administration asks you to submit long-range plans and unit plans and collaboration plans and all sorts of whatever plans. But, there is merit to writing daily lesson plans each week. Even if they aren't "required". Especially for yourself. You are your own audience.

Even though I've been teaching for twelve years in the course of twenty-one years (I just love the 12-21 this year), I still write daily plans for each of my classes. Every Monday, I write the plans. I have a binder where I keep those plans on my "lecture" desk. I can consult on pacing from previous years and remind myself of activities that I may forget with a fresh class.

The key is to revise these plans and to make notes as you go. Lesson plans should be a living document. It is not static. If you don't get through your plan in one bell; you won't. Nothing dire will ever happen when plans change. But, do always plan.

Dynamic teaching is the key to any successful long-term teacher. Hopefully, you still love your content enough to still be researching and keeping as current as possible in  your academic discipline. I love the process of shaping plans. Adding components. Scratching out what absolutely was not necessary or completely failed. It is an art form at the very best and a "laundry" to-do list at the bare minimum.

What's great about writing plans is the ability to prepare well in terms of copies to be made or video clips to cue or any other materials you need to succeed. Perhaps it's just me, but I just don't like racing around at the last minute and you know what else?

I pride myself on my professionalism. It's all in the plan.

Take Heart, New Teachers!

Ah, the night before school. Nothing like it. My classroom is ready. Syllabus printed. Newly sharpened pencils. Anticipation.

And yet, as I enter my twelfth year over the course of twenty-one years since I stepped foot into my first classroom (having taken time off for family)...

I can testify to this. It's so much easier. Meaning, it is so less anxious and more enjoyable. I think about my early days of teaching and smile at the energy. The overwhelmingness of everything. Oh, there's nothing like a first teacher.

They are the best and worst teachers, for sure. Best, in that they are full of ideas, ideas and passion. But, new teachers suffer from such anxiety, angst, worry and self-doubt.

I smile at the copy of Jonathan Kozol's "Letters to a Young Teacher" I once pored over pages; now still keep on my desk as reminder.

A reminder of the young, scrappy, idealistic teacher I once was. Of all the hilarious, embarrassing and stupid things I did. Of all the wonderful, creative and inspired things I produced.

What I could have never anticipated was the reward of watching my students grow up and succeed in life.

What a joy to be surprised by this gift late in my career of teaching.

Philosophical, patient, wise. Those are the feelings with which I fortitude myself tonight as I prepare dinner for my family, weed a bit in my garden and retire to bed early, anticipating a sound night's sleep and an awesome day tomorrow.

First Day of School is a teacher's first best day. Last Day of School is second best. Summer time and Snow Days are lagniappe.

New Teachers, please try to sleep. Tomorrow will be head-spinning at best. Older teachers like me? Enjoy. You know what I mean...