President's Perspective

Shared Reflective Practice

Reflective practice in its simplest form is reflecting on something you have experienced. Thinking about what has happened, reflecting, is a natural occurrence within humans. Casually thinking and thinking reflectively are not one in the same. Reflective thinking is purposefully thinking, evaluating, and developing insights after an executed circumstance. One definition describes reflective practice as the ability to reflect on one’s actions to engage in a process of continuous learning.

Reflection is certainly not a new term to education. It is the cornerstone to all sound educational practices. It is not by accident that Reflecting on Teaching is the first of the professional responsibilities listed in Domain Four of Arkansas’s Teacher Excellence and Support System. The system describes the highly effective teacher's reflection on the lesson as thoughtful and accurate, citing specific evidence. A reflecting teacher draws on an extensive repertoire to propose alternative strategies and predicts the probable success of each. Other DESE initiatives that draw heavily on reflection include RISE, Professional Learning Communities, and High Reliability Schools. Even the Digital Learning Plans that we have been working on require a substantial amount of reflection.

Reflective practice can be one of the first things to let slide when things are busy and hectic, yet it is one piece that we can not afford to skip. Time spent on reflective practice can aid in prioritizing the most critical elements and help clear the chaos. This year is definitely proof of that.

As we have muddled through a pandemic year, it was often difficult to find opportunity for shared reflective practice. As I have thought about this, I began my own reflection of this year as a whole – the good and the bad – both professionally and personally. After pondering my own take-aways, I began to wonder how my staff would reflect on this year. So, I decided to ask. I informally asked my staff to share two things this year has taught them, one professionally and one personally. I enjoyed reading each one I received and after briefly summarizing here, I plan to have a collective reflection session with my staff.

Teachers shared numerous thoughts on what they had learned professionally and personally this year. Thoughts such as the adaptability and creativity of both staff and students, the critical component of relationships, safety in the school environment, and the value of face-to-face learning. Some quotes included:

• “Professionally, I have learned to adjust the sails and do whatever is necessary in a time of need. It was simply amazing how strong a school community can be. Administrators quickly took over food service and helped to make sure students and parents received meals. Custodians and maintenance contributed in other ways as well. It takes a village, and I am glad to be part of ours. Our professional roles might change but putting student needs first - never changes.”

• “Teachers truly are superheroes and can do anything!”

• “Covid taught me that kids still need to be taught, kept safe, and loved on! Just as we have always done.”

• “I have learned that all learning is socially and emotionally connected.”

Personal reflections from my teachers also carried common themes. Some of the themes included the restructuring of priorities, the value of family, friends, and freedom, and the critical aspect of not taking life for granted. Some personal quotes included:

• “Personally, I learned to appreciate all the time and the restructure of priorities.”

• “I hope I never again take for granted the little things in life-seeing family and friends, hugs, freedom to go out in public.”

• “My faith in God became much stronger.”

• “Relationships are incredibly important and should be appreciated, nurtured, and maintained well!”

• “Don’t take moments or people for granted. Make time for the ones that truly love you and show them that you love them. Life is a balance.”

• “Or for a lighter side: I learned I can actually survive months without going to TJ Maxx.”

My own reflective thoughts from this year parallel the ideas above. Professionally, I have always known Bergman is a great community and Bergman Elementary has an amazing staff, but this past year confirmed my thoughts. For years we have strived to always do what is best for our students, this school year proved no different. Everyone-- certified teachers, paraprofessionals, cafeteria staff, custodians, secretaries, parents, and our community stepped up to help our students in a multitude of ways. Many gave their time, money, and love putting other people's needs above their own. Teachers stepped out of comfort zones and used technology like never before. If you work in a school, you know being flexible is a must. This year gave the word “flexible” a whole new meaning. I know people in communities all over have stepped up and phenomenal work has happened in many schools, but what I have seen this year in Bergman, AR, confirmed that there are angels among us.

For me personally, I believe God gave us an opportunity to just be still. It was a time to reflect and sort through what matters most. I truly love both my personal and professional life and feel blessed beyond measure. I will consider this year a gift.

As you begin the process of wrapping up this unprecedented year, I encourage you to be blessed by the process of shared reflection with your staff. May your ending be smooth, and your summers be filled with reflective renewal and rebuilding.