Happy New Year and welcome to 2016! I don’t know about you, but 2015 was a blur! I’m taking a look back and a look ahead so 2016 can be both memorable and most importantly — happy!
Professionally
Looking back….
It was a challenging year as a educator with so many changes in the classroom and expectations as a teacher. One thing that was a unexpected was to be chosen as the ELA Teacher Leader for my school. I have had the opportunity to attend district trainings and represent my school. My role is to bring back helpful ideas and information to share with other teachers. Through this experience, I am growing my ELA expertise for my students. Definitely, an added bonus.
One thing that was HUGE in 2015 was growing my online Professional Learning Network through Facebook groups and Twitter chats. This connection has broadened and opened my knowledge base through amazing connections and collaborations with other educators. Not always the easiest thing for me to do, but definitely the most rewarding.
Looking ahead in 2016….
Through this amazing online PLN, I have learned so much more about technology. In 2016, I want to up my technology game in the classroom. This is the world my students will live in and I need to prepare them now. Despite the budgetary constraints of the public school system, I would love to explore more hands on experiences for my students – blogging, game apps, virtual field trips, Google Apps, making videos, and on and on!
For this to happen, my students need access. I was able to get one Chromebook for my classroom through Donor’s Choose and this brings my classroom to 5 computers for 20 students. My goal is to get 4 more Chromebooks by the start of the 2016 – 17 school year.
Teachers Pay Teachers
Looking back……..
My store grew by leaps and bounds in 2015! Sales, number of products, and most importantly – followers! I love making products for other teachers!
Looking ahead in 2016….
Since the TPT conference is in Orlando (practically in my backyard), my goal is to attend and learn HUGE amounts of super helpful ways to grow my TPT business and connect with more teachers!
Personally
Looking back…..
My sweet husband and I took our first road trip vacation in June. We ended up traveling to 4 new states and seeing so many amazing sights – Shenendoah Valley Forest, Arlington Cemetary, Jefferson’s Monticello, and Gettysburg, plus a few Virginia wineries!
In October, I traveled to London to visit my daughter who was studying abroad. I LOVE Europe and welcomed my 3rd trip there! She completed her studies and graduated from Florida State University (Go Noles!) in December.
Looking ahead in 2016…..
For several years, I have wanted to visit Northern California’s wine country, Redwood Forest, and San Francisco. So….that is my travel goal for 2016. Hopefully, I can make that happen this summer!
The best way to describe my 2015 was GROWTH MINDSET. I learned so much professionally and personally and hope to continue that in 2016.
Hi Rissa! I found you through a linky, and you have some great goals! I did a PD on google apps this summer, and the district rumor is all classes will receive chrome books this spring. Amazing! I'm also looking for ways to increase my technology use with students. Cheers to 2016!
Speckled Moose Counseling