When I was working on my national board certification a few years ago, I remember how much they emphasized reflection as a method of improving teaching practices. I tend to reflect on my own quite often…making daily notes in my lesson plans to improve them for the next semester. But the problem with my own private reflections is that they don’t foster a sense of collaboration or learning from others. It is so valuable for teachers to communicate with each other, especially teachers who are new to the field. I think blogging could help minimize the sense of isolation that so many teachers feel. I know that I felt better when I read blog posts by other Kenan fellows, describing the exact way I was feeling! I also gained ideas about how to use technology in my classes, just by reading the blog posts from friends.

Right now I follow several chemistry teachers’ blogs to get ideas and hear their points of view about education. I am still considering whether or not I want to start my own blog. It may be a project that I will take on for the 2014-2015 school year. But regardless of whether I continue to blog, I definitely see the value in it and hope to follow some of the other Kenan Fellows if they continue to share their stories online!