Happy new Year!

As my last post may have implied, I have been buried under a dark cloud that has kept me from tackling new projects and meeting new goals. Just doing the “must dos” of teaching and coaching kept me from doing anything beyond those necessary tasks, but I am feeling the rejuvenation of a good break. I am ready to set some new goals for 2023, and as always… I’m aiming high.

1. Finish Bell Ringers: This summer, I started creating bell ringers sets for each of the AP Language standards outlined by the College Board. I go through the first 11, but then school started, and as we all know… nothing extra gets done when school starts. (Also, see my previous post). That said, I am excited to finish the last 11 standards. Then, I’ll be able to make the combined pack with enough bell ringers for a full school year.
   
2. Start Book: I have always dreamed if writing a book. When I was younger, it was more about writing a great fiction novel (the Twilight style YAL junk). Now, I know that my best writing comes from experience. I considered a memoir after going through some heavy things a few years ago, but I think I can help people more by sharing my insight on teaching and how I used personalized learning to make my life (...and this might be a surprise…) so much easier.
   
3. AP Language Glossary: This is a document I started for myself, but I’d like to finish it so that I can pass it on to others. I went through the Essential Understandings in the Course and Exam Description and compiled the key terms for each unit. I’ve created a common definition for my own students that I will be able to combine in this glossary.
   
4. Unit Assessments: This is probably a stretch goal, but once I finish my bell ringers, I want to create new assessments for each of the AP Language standards. I would like to offer more choice in how students are assessed next year, and that means I need to get to work creating some new options. As I put these together, I’m excited to share them. 
   

I am genuinely so happy to feel like myself again, and though I know tomorrow brings me back into the thick of stress and exhaustion, I am optimistic. These goals are part of my own personal health and wellness goals. In tandem, I truly think I can see a better semester ahead. 

For my readers, I hope you are feeling a similar breath of fresh air. 2023 is the year we can reclaim our passion and remind ourselves why we do this incredibly important work. As I’ll be telling myself every day, we do something that truly matters every single day.