Critical Incident Questionnaire: A Reflection on my 32nd year of teaching

As the end of this very unique school year comes to a close I thought I’d use this space to do a little reflective writing. This reflection is inspired by Stephen Brookfield’s book, Becoming a Critically Reflective Teacher, 1995. Specifically, I will use a technique called a Critical Incident Questionnaire in an attempt to examine the following…

What incident, comment, reaction, or quote stands out this school year?

At what moment did I feel most engaged with what was happening this school year?

At what moment did I feel most distanced from what was happening this school year?

What action did (in my case...a staff member or student) take that I found helpful/affirming this school year?

What action did (in my case...a staff member or student) take that I found confusing/puzzling this school year?

Incident, comment reaction or quote…

I will never forget the night my principal called me and I was sitting out at our firepit with my wife. She informed me that I was going to be called upon for some "quasi-administrative" duties due to the pandemic. It was at this moment that I knew that COVID-19 had finally reached out school and that I was going to have to step up and help out.

Moment I felt most engaged…

I used a variety of platforms with my students this year; namely Flipgrid, Padlet, and Jamboard. The kids loved using them and I loved the conversations that participation with each platform initiated. I’m very happy that I chose to learn how to use these platforms.

Moment I felt most distanced…

I ended up taking on extra responsibility because others chose not to. I’ve decided that next year is going to be different. I will NOT take on new and/or extra responsibility just because others choose not to. I plan on using a series of questions to “vet” the opportunity before saying yes.

Helpful/Affirming actions…

I was nominated Teacher of the Year by my colleagues. Of all years to get this honor this particular year means a lot!! I also received a lot of affirming words from many staff members and families this year. Cards, notes, emails. Each time I got something it made me want to "lean more" into how the pandemic was impacting my teaching and student learning!

Confusing/Puzzling actions…

There were times when we got emails that I was unsure of what or how to react. That comes from an anxiety I have about getting emails or knowing that they "can come in" at any time. I need to do a better job of breathing when we get them...moving forward. I have taken steps to do this. I’ve also started reading a really interesting book by Cal Newport titled: A World Without Email.