LEAven Blog

Well done, good and faithful servant!  These words from Jesus’ parable in Matthew chapter 25 are appropriate as this school year closes.

For some, this might be your last school year, and these words are especially fitting as you retire or transition into another chapter in your life.  For others, it means a break from the routine of a school day during the summer months (and a break from students!) providing the opportunity for renewal before starting the next school year.

As this school year ends, reflecting on the year completed is important. This reflection should be more than just looking back at all the events of the past school year. It needs to be an evaluation of the effectiveness of the teaching/learning process in your school and, more specifically, your classroom. Staffs often evaluate a school program or activity after it is completed. End-of-the-year staff meetings allow for an overall assessment of the effectiveness of the year’s activities to assist in planning and setting the next year’s schedule of activities and programs.  Individually, teachers likewise should do an informal self-evaluation that is relevant to their specific classrooms.

As teachers, we continually evaluate students to determine how well they are learning the material that is being taught. As this student evaluation takes place, it provides teachers with feedback that allows them to self-evaluate their effectiveness in helping their students learn.  Did my lessons, instructional methods, assignments, quizzes, tests help students comprehend and master what has been taught?

As you reflect on this past school year, it would be good to do a wider informal self-evaluation.  Some areas to possibly consider when doing this might include:

• Can I help my students feel more valued and accepted in my classroom?
• Do the methods and what I communicate keep the parents well-informed on a timely basis?
• What things worked best in my classroom that should be continued?
• What things didn’t work well that need to be changed?
• Was there something that I struggled with that I could work on or get help with?
• Did I use technology effectively in the subjects I teach?
• How can I better witness to my students and their families?
• Are there curricular areas I can actively work on improving based upon standardized test scores?
• Is my classroom atmosphere one that encourages students to be their best?
• Do I administer Law and Gospel appropriately in dealing with student discipline matters?
• How supportive of my teaching colleagues and staff am I?
• Do I effectively integrate the faith in all aspects of my teaching?
• Can I improve the physical appearance of my classroom?
• Did I accomplish the goals of my curriculum, or did I get as far as I wanted or should have in the subjects I teach?
• Do I pray regularly with and for my students and families?
• Do I have daily devotions with my students?

Quite possibly, you’re thinking, “I just want to be done, the school year is over, and I’m now on break.”  The thought of doing a self-evaluation is probably the last thing you want to think of at this time. However, doing this could reap rich benefits for the upcoming school year!

God’s blessings for a wonderful break!  You deserve it!