ascd.org/about-ascd.aspx). The organization hosts a variety of professional development seminars and workshops, including online offerings. It would be useful to take advantage of these opportunities.

5. Evaluating Progress

I want to keep a teaching journal of my first few years so I can reflect on what I have done and what progress I have made as a teacher. I want to be sure to identify where I am making the same mistakes and what I am doing well. Shalaway (n.d.) cites a Michigan State study in which researchers found that teachers who kept journals "reported that they learned a great deal about their thinking and teaching" (http://www2.scholastic.com / browse/article .jsp?id=3749717).

I also want to be part of a teaching community that is open enough to tell me where I can improve and what steps I can take toward improvement. I can stay motivated in working toward my goals, in part,...
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