The Gift of Reflection
Leaders, if you do one thing at the end of this year, hold space for the faculty in your school to reflect. It will pay dividends as you enter next year with teachers who have cultivated agency and ownership over their school year, who begin the year with intention, knowing how they will apply their new learning.
Very few people make time intentionally to reflect on their own—especially during busy times like the end of the year. If you hold this space for them, it will bring a sense of calm and control to the end of the year, rather than a sense of open-endedness and loose ends.
Teachable Moments
As the school year winds down, teachers find themselves immersed in final assessments, report cards, field day, field trips, trips to the principal’s office, and so much more. It’s an exhausting roller coaster moving at breakneck pace. Amid this wild ride, pausing to reflect on the journey can fall pretty low on the priority list.
Despite all that, I am here to argue (and possibly die on this hill!) that leaders should insist on carving out time for teachers to reflect on the year.
After all, what are our experiences if they’re not self-teachable moments?
Why Reflection Matters
Teaching is a profession that demands adaptability, resilience, and continuous growth. Without intentional reflection, it’s easy for educators to move from one academic year to the next without fully appreciating their impact. Reflecting helps teachers:
Recognize Achievements: Acknowledge moments of triumph, whether it’s a student’s breakthrough, a successful lesson plan, or personal milestones in professional development.
Refine Teaching Practices: Evaluating successes and challenges allows us to fine-tune our approach, applying new learnings to next year.
Build Personal Agency: When we’re forced to name what we did, said, decided, etc., to achieve certain successful results, it reminds us of our internal resources and primes us to apply those strengths to future challenges.
Restore Passion and Purpose: Reflection rekindles the sense of purpose that brought teachers into the profession, fueling enthusiasm for the year ahead. It’s a time for teachers to rediscover the connections between their work and their values and identities.
A Meaningful Reflection Tool
While reflection is valuable, it’s most effective when done intentionally. Setting aside at least 20 minutes for this (ideally 45-60!) at a faculty meeting communicates to teachers that they are worthy of reflection and celebration… Just like the students are. After all, we celebrate students with many end-of-year parties and events. Let’s do the same for their amazing teachers.
Here is a reflection tool that gives teachers options as they look back on their year. They can ponder the big questions, or they can look ahead, or they can do both. Check it out, use it as you wish, and let me know what you think:
Get the Teacher Reflection Tool
The Impact of Reflection on Professional Growth
Educators who commit to regular reflection often find themselves evolving into more confident, adaptive, and compassionate professionals. Reflection fosters self-awareness, encourages lifelong learning, and builds resilience in the face of challenges. Beyond personal growth, it enhances classroom experiences by creating an environment where students thrive under a teacher who is continually improving.
As the school year concludes, taking the time to reflect isn’t just a practice—it’s a gift. We all -- and especially teachers -- deserve a moment to acknowledge our efforts, embrace lessons learned, and prepare for the next chapter with renewed energy. Because great teaching is never static; it is shaped by experience, growth, and the ability to reflect.
When and how will you hold space for teacher reflections as this year concludes?
