Getting Re-Centered: Week 8 22/23

Where I’m at right now: I have some major projects that I need to get organized. In no particular order:

• Data collection methods for my various teams
• Meeting scheduling
• Progress Reporting
• Continuing Education Decisions
• Lesson Planning/Program design
• Budget Management
• Family Support
• Physical Health Management

This all revolves around my ability to look to the future and make decisions that get me towards where I am trying to go. Practically, this means that my goal orientation is walking the line between optimism and delusion, my demeanor is assertive and flexible because I am relying on other people which make up my teams, my personal and organizational productivity is at it’s highest because I know how to use technological tools to streamline processes, and I take care of my Physical Health by making good decisions about what I put into my body, including spirituality and my thoughts. 

So to recap:

Future:

Optimistic and Realistic Goals

Assertive but Flexible

Technological Tools for efficient workflows

Good Physical Health decisions

The best overall view I have is using the Personal Goals Map. Here's an old post from 2018 that I will use as a template for starting over. This was Pre-Covid 19, and I was just starting working at SLOHS, having come from Santa Maria. Now that I am starting at another new school, it might be smart to look back at where I was, and see what decisions I made that brought me to this place. Overall, the past 4 years have been good, although teaching during Covid distance learning was the most difficult time I’ve had teaching because I felt so ineffective. Today I’m feeling good because it seems a few “loose threads” are coming together as we are just over a month into the school year. I have 7 weeks worth of video and pictures that I am organizing as part of my ongoing intention of documenting my processes, and I am also taking classes to someday become an administrator. I’ve been overwhelmed for the first few weeks of school, falling behind a bit on my papers that are due each week, but I haven’t given up and I’m renewing my commitment to succeed, starting with making sure I am taking care of my physical health by eating well, drinking enough water, exercising, sleeping enough, and meditating. My vlog will show that process, as I am also using Physical Health as the place to start teaching my students how to take care of themselves.

I have also tried to simplify my workflow systems, and currently I am keeping track of my to-do list and my notes on many subjects using the IOS native Reminders and Notes apps. I just upgraded to IOS 16 and the functions within those 2 apps are very powerful. I am also trying to get more consistent with using the Google Suite of tools provided by my district, and will be using the Google Workspace soon.

Recently I was given this article, which I shared with my team, nicknamed Crew 26. The article was well-received, and I ended up bringing a rug, table, vacuum, workout mats, weights, and other PE gear to the classroom today. I’ll be developing the program around the idea that we are training students for Independent Living- including all the parts of life that people need to take care of. (See Personal Goals Map above). I’m excited for tomorrow, but now I need to meditate and go to sleep.