Lessons from the Field: Strategies for a Great Year 

Educators in Lockett, SC

By NIET CEO Dr. Joshua Barnett

Welcome back! Here at NIET, we hold this special season of back-to-school close to our hearts. A new school year is a time of optimism, anticipation, and hope. The season brings about change for families and teachers alike - sometimes in the form of a breakfast routine, a new school bus route, or an earlier bedtime (except of course for my 10-year old, who confidently informed me she’s in middle school now, not elementary). Just as these regular routines benefit students, all of us also thrive when we include consistent habits as part of our daily instructional practices. 

As a kick off to the new year, I’m excited to share three key tips and strategies I’ve heard from talking with educators across the nation this summer. All of us can use these tips to pursue a great school year together. Last week, we highlighted three key reflective questions to ask as we begin the new school year to remain grounded in student outcomes, promote student agency, and maximize collaboration. Today, I want to explore how developing key routines can help teachers - and all of us -  best prepare for this shift back to the classroom.

#1. Plan Lessons Intentionally

Teachers know that student impact is often made not only through what you are teaching, but how you are teaching. Regardless of the grade level or subject matter, a successful teacher can encourage student learning through the intentional teacher moves and instructional decisions designed throughout the lesson. This intentionality and focus embedded into a lesson plan does not happen by accident -  it takes thoughtful collaboration, trial and error, and the courage for teachers to go first in their learning to understand which practices are more effective than others.

Establishing time within the week to carefully plan out lessons at the beginning of the school year is a key strategy of effective teachers. Identifying opportunities to plan specific lesson details like questioning strategies, student grouping configurations, and scaffolding will make educators more confident in the classrooms and provide more effective instruction to students. 

The impact of intentional planning can travel beyond the walls of the classroom - and it should. When teachers take time to plan for and implement effective instructional strategies and actively respond to the student outcomes that follow, that insight and planning can be shared with fellow teachers to benefit a larger number of students. These moments for greater impact can happen through cluster, instructional leadership team meetings, and goal setting sessions. 

In the same vein, school leaders play a key role in establishing and protecting time for teachers to explore and grow their instructional practices. When school and district leaders recognize the importance of personal and group lesson planning and assessment, it opens the door for teachers to elevate their skills even more. Creating moments within the day, week or month to intentionally plan and think critically about instructional quality and practices can set teachers and students up for success at the start of their first lesson.

#2. Practice Regular Reflection 

Reflection is a critical strategy for building successful practices - especially at the beginning of the year as teachers begin to settle into the routines of their classrooms. Being intentional about how much time educators spend reflecting, and when they choose to reflect, can provide unique and important perspectives for teachers on instructional practices and how to create a positive classroom environment. 

A teacher may find it beneficial to take some time to sit and reflect at the end of every day, or every week, to analyze which strategies they used were most effective and which should be reassessed moving forward to better support students. Reflective questions might include: Did my students understand the lesson? What do the student work samples show me? What was something I saw them struggle with, and how can I ensure they progress to learn it as we move forward? 

Pausing to ask these questions helps to align actions to what a teacher sees in the classroom and puts teachers on a trajectory to accomplish their goals based on how students are engaging with the instruction. It helps educators reflect on the implementation of strategies by intentionally thinking about how they are received in their classrooms.

#3. Remember Your “Why” 

In the hustle of the day-to-day, especially at the busy beginning of the school year, it can be easy to lose sight of our “why” - the reason we were drawn to the work we do, and the purpose it gives us to continue it. Staying centered in the “why” is a strategy and a skill within itself, and can provide an added sense of clarity and direction to an educator's instruction. By making the time to pause and consider all the rewarding moments this profession has to offer, we can move forward artfully and gratefully to best serve our students and pass on that passion to one another.

Considering the “why” was highlighted for me this summer, as we launched the NIET Fellows Program. In talking with the fellows, I was struck by their enthusiasm to transform opportunities for students within their respective communities. Intentionally acting with their “whys” in mind not only better positions these fellows as effective teachers and leaders, but offers a way to connect to others through their own stories and purpose. 

Taking time out of the day to stop and remember your passion and purpose in our profession can ensure all of us are always centered with a mindset ready to embrace the school day. 

Routines for a Great School Year

The beginning of the school year is a great time to establish these effective habits and reset our structures and priorities. Planning thoughtfully, incorporating reflection into your daily practice, and remaining grounded in your “why” are routines that will set this year on a path to success. 

I’m filled with optimism at the new learning that will unfold this school year. I remain inspired at the growth we can help realize in our students. At NIET, we share the excitement of educators across the country, of the students and families that they serve, and of our greater mission to build educator excellence to give all students the opportunity for success. 

School’s back - let’s have fun and a great year together!