Week 10 Term 1 - Last Leg

The term 'last leg' - as I have learnt via Google - was coined in a play The Old Law (1599) by Thomas Middleton and Philip Massinger. In the play the line reads as "My husband goes upon his last hour now - on his last legs, I am sure." If something is on it's last leg, this often means that it has left in a bad condition and it will not longer be in a useful state. Whether it is an object or one's health, this term is often used to describe the final stages of something. 

As Term 1 comes to an end I think of the state of my mental and emotional well-being - in it's last leg before the school holidays. Am I tired, drained, relieved, overwhelmed (slightly), over it? Yes. Teaching is a job that is both rewarding and demanding. It is a job where the rewards are few and far between - but the journey and everything that comes along with it is a fulfilling learning experience. In saying this, it is a journey that requires an degree of resilience and patience. My tolerance and my patience is always tested during the 'last leg' of the term and it all stems from a place where I want to tick all my boxes, I want my students to commit to their learning and finish what they need to - ultimately I want to finish well. I do not want to close the term and things are left in a bad condition. The question for me right now is 'How can this be achieved?'

PRIORITISE

Determine the order for dealing with (a series of items or tasks) according to their relative importance.

Prioritizing what is important is key. In order to ensure that this final stage in the term is set up well, I have organize what is most important in terms of my learning program for my students and for my own professional calendar. I have never been one to prioritize and make lists - I was that guy, take it as it comes and deal with it then and there. I cannot function like that anymore and have taken a real liking to post it notes and making lists. Where was this guy 5 years ago?! 

For my students - prioritize - is a term I use daily. It something that I show them daily through referring to our calendar, in reviewing our program and the progress (or lack) that they have made. It might be the teacher in me (something my wife reminds me of daily - I am always reflecting). But it is good practice as it helps to give perspective. 

What I am reflecting on is not rocket science. I think that writing about it is a positive outlet. It is a reminder on what I need to do more of and how I can use this to improve my own outlook on the last leg of term 1. I am looking forward to the end of this term. I know exactly how I want it to end and what I want it to look like. 

NON NEGOTIABLE

Non-negotiables are the things you will not negotiate on. They follow your values and principles and define not only what you will and won’t accept from others, but also what you will and won’t accept from yourself.

Sticking to the plan and not deterring from it has been beneficial for me this term. With two lockdowns thrown into the mix, this term has had it's fare share of curveballs. I have not compromised deadlines or due dates with my senior classes. Have I had to make some amendments - yes - however I have not allowed the lockdown to deflect my students in not completing their assessments. I have learnt from 2020 and how lockdown can have an impact on student achievement. So the time in class with the students is crucial. The learning, the outcome and the achievement is one thing that do not want to negotiate with it. I am pleased that for both classes, I have around 5 students out of 20 who have not achieved. This is good as I have majority with credits already banked for term 1. It has set them up already and now the focus on is on their new text and their new assessment - ready for term 2. 

Personally I have a list of six non-negotiable items that I need to complete weekly. This is a goal of mine (that I set at the beginning of the year) and one that I am determined to fulfill by the end of week 11. These non-negotiable items cover my teaching, HOD and Whanau leader roles. Completing these items gives me a sense of achievement but more importantly a sense of purpose. It keeps me on track and I know that I can move onto to the next. I hope to continue this into term 2. 

This has worked well for me personally and with my students. The process and the expectations are clear and for me at least, I know what I need to do. This makes the last leg of this term clear in terms of where I need to be. 

Again - this is not rocket science. But the more I reflect on this, I understand and know where I can make improvements. At the same time I can really appreciate what has been accomplished and understand that this sense of being overwhelmed is not in vein. I am looking forward to finishing this last leg of the term. Not just finishing it but finishing it well.