Setting goals is a fundamental aspect of teaching that can help you stay focused, motivated, and effective. Each time you plan is an opportunity to revisit your objectives to ensure they align with your students' needs and your professional growth. But where do you start? How do you set goals that are not only achievable but also motivating for you and your learners?
In a recent episode of the CERTIFIED: Certiport Educator Podcast, three CERTIFIED Ambassadors and veteran educators, Karen Coulombe, Ashley Faulkner, and Laurene Klassen, shared their goal-setting insights. Here are some key takeaways to help you set and achieve your goals as an educator.
Get your learners involved
Involving students in the goal-setting process can enhance engagement and ownership of their learning. When they have a say in their goals and what happens in the classroom, students are more likely to be motivated and invested.
Ashley Faulkner, a high school teacher in North Carolina, has seen the importance of learner involvement. "Student feedback drives so much of my coursework and teaching. After each course is finished, I always ask my learners about what they thought worked, and what didn't work. Then, as I’m making my learning targets and lesson plans for an upcoming course, I know what went well and what needs to change."
But you don’t need to wait until the end of the course to get students involved. Try starting each course by asking them what they’d like to learn. Seeking their feedback and incorporating their input into your goals creates a more collaborative and responsive learning environment. This approach not only helps you set more relevant and effective areas of focus but also fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility in the classroom.
Shape your goals into manageable steps
You’ve established your key areas of focus. Now it’s time to break things down. Establishing manageable steps makes your goals more achievable and helps maintain motivation throughout the process.
Karen, who works with middle and high school students in Washington state, knows the power of small targets. "Each week I set up mini goals, just an actionable to-do for myself. Maybe it’s praising a specific student or adjusting an upcoming project. I’ll put it on a Post-it note, so it’s documented where I can see it. Bite-sized goals tend to keep me more productive."
By setting mini goals, you can focus on specific tasks that contribute to your larger objectives. This method also allows for regular check-ins and adjustments, ensuring that you stay on track and adapt to any changes or challenges that arise.
Celebrate success and reflect on progress
Creating a collaborative classroom community means offering support throughout the course. Celebrating successes, no matter how small, is crucial for building that community and maintaining motivation. Regular reflection on what has been achieved and what still needs to be done can help you and your learners stay focused and motivated.
Laurene Klassen, an IT training director at Southern Methodist University in Texas, highlighted the importance of recognizing wins. "I don’t think we recognize our wins enough. Often, because we’re so focused on moving forward, we sometimes forget the ground we’ve already won. I try to kind of keep those in mind, because those wins are a great tool to keep me motivated."
Taking time to celebrate achievements and reflect on progress can provide a much-needed morale boost and help you stay committed to your goals. Whether it's a small classroom celebration or a personal acknowledgment of a job well done, these moments of recognition can make a significant difference in your overall motivation and satisfaction.
Ready to move forward?
Setting and achieving goals as an educator is a dynamic and ongoing process. By involving students, breaking down goals into manageable steps, and celebrating successes, you can create a more focused, motivated, and effective teaching environment. With the right strategies and a supportive community, you and your learners can achieve great things.
Looking for ideas and support to help you hit your teaching targets? Join our CERTIFIED Educator Community to collaborate and connect with educators who will champion you and your goals.