End of the Year Reflection 2024-25

The end of the school year is here, and I’ve been doing what we all do—reflecting and making mental (and literal) notes about what I have to change next year. Here’s what’s on my mind:

1. Boundaries

I know I said this in my last post, but it’s worth repeating: teachers and students need clear, firm boundaries.

I’ll be the first to admit—I’ve been too friendly with my students in the past. I let too many lines get crossed. Honestly, it’s taken me until Year 7 to realize how crucial those boundaries are—not just for classroom management, but for my own well-being. It’s been a journey, but better late than never, right?

2. Rethinking Late Work Policy… Again

Yes, I’m changing my late work policy again. I’ve researched a ridiculous number of methods and tried everything:

  • Accepting late work until the very end of the quarter (hello, grading avalanche đź’€)
  • No penalties (which just meant even less motivation)
  • Docking points (too much tracking and chaos)

This year, I’m inspired by my husband’s job and trying something new: Sprint Weeks.

Here’s the plan:

Each unit will have a 1–2 week “sprint” where students must complete a set of tasks.

I’ll kick off each sprint with a 20–30 minute mini-lesson (kind of like a corporate stand-up meeting).

After that, students work independently or collaboratively on their tasks.

No late work accepted after the sprint ends.

This is about more than grades—it’s about teaching students real-world skills: time management, planning, organization, and accountability. It’s going to take planning on my part, but I really think it’s worth it.

3. Assigned Seats Are Back

Ugh, I hate assigning seats. But we need them. Every year I hope I won’t have to, and every year… I do.

  • Move the friends.
  • Separate the talkers.
  • If someone refuses to move? Call home.
  • If that doesn’t work? Throw your hands up and loop in admin. (Good luck.)

It’s not fun, but it’s necessary for a productive learning space.

4. Less Tech, More Thinking

  • Phones? Gone.
  • Laptops? Only for testing.

I’m going back to good old-fashioned textbooks, pencils, and actual brain power.

We can’t let students become completely dependent on AI. If we do, we’re setting up the next generation to be passive, distracted, and unable to think for themselves. No thank you.

5. It’s Okay That I’m Still a Teacher

Some days, it feels like being a teacher isn’t respected the way it should be. But I’m reminding myself—and you—that this work matters.

If people like us leave the classroom, we risk leaving it to people who don’t care, don’t know what they’re doing, or are just there for a paycheck. And that’s not okay.

Because when students aren’t taught by people who care:

  • They grow up unprepared.
  • They can’t think critically.
  • They don’t understand history.
  • They fall for scams and extremist nonsense.

The world needs thoughtful, grounded, passionate teachers. So, I’m staying. And if you’re staying too? Keep teaching on.