How to Maintain Your Focus During the School Year

Teaching with intention toward learning outcomes can be done in a focused way that prioritizes flexibility, inquiry, and relationships.

As someone currently active in the teaching year, I want to first acknowledge and celebrate the highly active work of teaching, while also reminding colleagues to be “smart in their hard work.” Much is made of the beginning of the year and end of the year, but this in-between time is precious for all of us as we navigate holiday seasons and seek to enrich our instructional time.

Here, I point out some of the elements of teaching that keep me balanced and focused, especially at those moments when I feel like my work is losing some direction.