With the new year around the corner comes personal resolutions or goals. Personal resolutions are important but so are work goals. It is where we spend most of our day. It’s where we develop growth or lose our sanity if not careful. So here are 7 goals you can incorporate for 2020.

 

 

 

1. Do One Thing To Stay Healthier-Make Self-Care A Priority

 

This is by far the most important one that is going to be on this list. Because we are losing our goddamn minds in this profession. I wrote about it here. Teacher Workload Is Destroying Education. We must find one Zen idea to implement. Perhaps it’s having a cup of tea throughout the workday. Or sitting outside during your lunch. Maybe it’s even actually taking lunch and not working through it. Choose whatever it is that you prefer. Finding one moment of peace throughout the workday can make all the difference.

 

 

 

2.Implement One New Skill

 

 Part of teaching is having a lot of different mandates thrown at you at once. What’s that saying, “Jack of all trades, master of none.” We dabble in many skills, rather than gaining expertise by focusing on one. So when I suggest “implement a new skill,” I mean really dig into one math topic or strategy. Find something that you really would like to master. Perhaps it’s a numeracy routine or some center idea you’d like to try. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Read One Career-Related or Motivational Book

 

I really don’t have to go through the benefits of reading. We’re all teachers, you get it. But there are two types of books I think benefit educators.

 

I believe motivational books are just as crucial as pedagogical ones. As educators, we can have some low points. Because of external or even internal pressure, we at times feel like we’re failing, not doing well, or not getting it right. This is common in our workplace. So having a motivational read every once in a while can lift your spirits. 

 

Professional reading is just as essential. Reading a math book could also help you with tip #2 written above. I understand that it is difficult to find the time or even the motivation to read a math book. Try making a goal of just reading one per year or quarter. If you don’t like reading, I would recommend Podcasts. You can listen to them while driving to or from work. Here are just a few I recommend:

 

• Build Math Minds Podcast
• Inspiring Educators Podcast
• Making Math Moments Matter Podcast
• Math Before Breakfast Podcast

 

 

 

4.Clean Out Your Inbox

 

There’s research that shows the benefit of making your bed in the morning. Now I haven’t seen research about organizing your inbox. Still, I’m going to assume there’s something out there about keeping your inbox tidy. Some people use their inbox as their to-do list. That’s cool. Some people have an inbox with 457 emails. When your email list compiles, it might feel overwhelming to go through them. Let’s be real, you are probably never going to go back and read email 283. So I would recommend for the new year archive your current emails if you feel the strong urge not to delete them. This gives your inbox a fresh start to the new year. 

 

 

 

5.Purge Some Physical and/or Digital Files

 

It seems everyone is going paperless. I have to admit I can’t get on the 100% paperless train just yet. I have definitely gone digital but haven’t fully reached paperless status. The new year is a great time to PURGE! Even if it starts with the top file cabinet or one google drive folder. Purging clutter is good for the soul. I promise. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.Sign Up To One Relevant Blog

 

Blogs are great. They provide you with tips, strategies, and the latest and greatest out there. I admit to being bias for this one because, of course, I would love for you to sign up for mine. However, there are plenty of other wonderful blogs out there. Here are just a few I recommend:

 

• https://zennedmath.com/blog/
• marilynburnsmathblog.com
• https://robertkaplinsky.com/blog/
• mathequalslove.blogspot.com
• blog.mrmeyer.com
• christopherdanielson.wordpre..

 

 

 

 

 

7. Join One New Professional Network or Organization

 

So there are various ways to get support. It can be as simple as signing up for a Facebook group or a state/ national council. Everyone needs a networking plan. We all need a community to get fresh ideas, brainstorm, ask questions, or get plain support. Here are just a few Facebook groups I recommend:

 

• Zenned Math Teachers
• Build Math Minds
• Elementary Math With Ann Elise
• Jo Boaler’s How To Learn Math

 

Also, check out your state math organization. State and National organizations have great resources and conferences for teachers.

 

I hope these goals help lessen your stress and boost your energy for the New Year. Be sure to head on over to Zenned Math Teachers and share your experience with us.

 

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy 2020!