January is  usually the month in which many people challenge themselves to try something new…something that they could sustain over time that will better themselves and potentially those around them.  If you are looking for a change in your teaching, consider these:

1. Get out of your rut

Teachers love routine, and I often find myself very comfortable with sticking with my routine. But, I have learned that the most satisfaction comes when I push myself out of my comfort zone. My students even respond better to what we are doing in the classroom. While routine can bring comfort and establish an efficiency to teaching/learning, it can also create boredom. So, if you are getting frustrated with your students and their lack of care for what is going on in the classroom, look inward. Have you lost that passion, too? It might be time to ditch that lesson plan and do something entirely new.

2. Get a different perspective

Trying something new helps us see things in a different way than we had before. Even though I have taught Romeo and Juliet every year for over 22 years, I look for ways to do something different with it. As I read the play, the text reveals different ideas (and essential questions) that my class could explore. And, there are new ideas about the teaching of Shakespeare that have shaken up my thinking about how to teach the play (thank you Folger Shakespeare Library!). One year, when reading As I Lay Dying with my AP Lit class, I gave the students control and asked them what they wanted to study (their ideas were awesome! Coffin making, anyone?) So, seek out ways to change they way you approach a lesson/unit you teach. You might be surprised at what you discover.

3. Force yourself into the unknown

If you push students just beyond what they know but not to a place of frustration, you will have engaged, excited students. They are solving problems that they are excited about…curious about. We push our students there nearly every day, but why don’t we push ourselves as well? If you’re like me, you get comfortable with routine. Instead, willfully choose to throw caution to the wind and become “lost” in the process of teaching–unsure of what will be discovered around the corner. I’m not advocating for recklessness, but be willing to step out of your comfort zone and dive into the unknown. Wrestle with information with your students. Allow yourself to be confused and work with your students to find answers.

There are many places to find inspiration to try something new. Twitter has become my window into the classrooms and ideas of other teachers (who are often much smarter than I am). Expand the boundaries of your classroom as well as the lessons you have planned for your students and enjoy an amazing new journey.