Setting Goals for the New Year: Teacher Edition

Can you believe 2017 is already coming to an end? Personally, I can't wait until this year is over. In preparation for all the good that can only come from a new year, let's talk about goal setting for your classroom!

Image Credit: MyCuteGraphics, Canva

1. Take more consistent data

So maybe this means taking data in the first place, which is a good goal to start with. If you already do take data, maybe this is the time to perfect your data taking and analyzing skills. Need a place to start? Check out these awesome posts: The Autism Helper's guide to training paras to take data and Autism Classroom Resources' post on how to analyze your data

2. Enhance your parent communication

Parents are such a key piece of the education puzzle. They are a valued, important member of the child's team. Sometimes, as educators, it's very challenging for us to include them as part of team, either because of barriers with adherence to IEP and behavior plans, struggles with scheduling, or something else entirely. It's important to keep trying to make this relationship valuable, and the New Year is a great time to re-ignite those goals. I wrote a whole post devoted to this topic. Learn more about how to enhance your parent-teacher relationship!

3. Perfect your Work/Life Balance

Easier said than done, yes. But when you make this a priority, your life and work satisfaction will increase (no reference, just common sense). In general, practice mindfulness and sticking to a schedule so you can enjoy both work and home.

4. Set up a system for paperwork

Organization is key! This is the first step to freeing your mind of clutter and stress. When your physical space is organized and clean, you feel lighter and are more productive. Check out my posts on executive functioning, classroom organization, computer document organization, and classroom management.

5. Continue to inspire and empower your students every day

Basically, keep doing everything you already do! This is where you shine, and there's no harm in continuing to foster this as your goal for the new year! You are already so great at it - so keep it up!

ABA at Play: data collection procedures, verbal behavior, pairing procedures, visual supports, antecedent manipulations, environmental accommodations, prompting, prioritizing behaviors, reinforcement, social skills, social validity, behavior repertoire, socially-significant behavior

What goals do you hope to work on for you classroom for the new year? I'd love to hear all about it!