The Importance of Reflection

"...the single most significant indicator of student success is an excellent teacher." -Margaret Reagan

Educator Margaret Reagan's Six Steps to Master Teaching: Becoming a Reflective Practitioner focuses on professional development throughout a teachers "entire professional career".  She states that "the single most significant indicator of student success is an excellent teacher".  
 She examines 6 areas that will help you become a master teacher.

1. Understand your reason's for teaching
2. Cultivate Ethical Behavior in Your Students and Yourself
3. Pool Both Patience and Perseverance
4. Design Curriculum That Works
5. Perfect Instructional Practices and Assessment Skills
6. Connect Positively to the Whole-School Culture

The most meaningful part of her blog is that you are typically only regulated by yourself.  That is you must have the motivation to constantly improve upon your teaching because no one else will force you.

 It reminds me of my time in the Army.  We would always [I mean always] conduct an AAR (After Action Review).  There was no rank, nothing off limits and most importantly no feelings.  Anyone could comment on whatever it was we just finished doing.  It included what we were supposed to accomplish, what was actually accomplished, things we should sustain and things that needed improvement.

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One phrase that has really motivated me is "be a lifelong learner".  I don't remember where I heard it, but I identify with it.  I don't know where I picked up my desire to learn (no pun intended), but it is something I crave now.  I hope that it never fades.