Answering the Call
By Peter W. Cookson, Jr.

By now you've succeeded in your first year of teaching. I know that becoming a teacher requires not only self-discipline and motivation but also the courage to embark on a personal journey. Teaching is a calling that requires a response, a journey and, ultimately, a transformation. You've been called to teach and, in your first year, you've begun your journey toward becoming a master teacher. But like all of those who take this journey, you and your work are incomplete projects that are destined to be reshaped, rethought and reinvigorated. In order for you to grow professionally, it's important to become not only an active teacher but also a reflective practitioner.

Reflect on this year
Reflect now on your journey this year as a new teacher. What have you done to help your students learn? What will you do differently? What will you do in the future to make your vision become a reality?

Too often professional educators define their working reality in narrow, bureaucratic ways. Too often the system compels teachers to act more like civil servants than intellectual and ethical guides. The culture of schools often appears to require regimentation and conformity. Yet you know from your experience this year that regimentation and conformity are the natural enemies of imagination and inspiration.

As you reflect on your experience, imagine yourself teaching next year. Think of yourself as the teacher you were always meant to be and then create a plan for yourself that will allow you to grow professionally toward becoming an expert in your field and a leader in education. This plan should include not only organized professional development experiences but also reading, reflection and self-care.

Take care of yourself
Unfortunately, busy teachers often neglect themselves. We are often so concerned about our students' success that we fail to take into account our own needs on the journey. Last month, I referred to the mind of the child as a garden that needed to be tended. The same is true of you. In order to be really successful, you need to nurture yourself and allow the best of yourself to develop naturally so that you will be refreshed and capable of communicating with the children who need you.

I wish you the best of luck during the summer and I look forward to our continuing conversation in the fall.

Peter W. Cookson, Jr. is the founder of TCinnovations and the Dean of the Graduate School of Education of Lewis & Clark College. He is also founder of the Center for Educational Outreach & Innovation at Teachers College.