Back to school we go! and setting goals.

Today was my first day back at school after the summer holidays, and aside from the unseasonable heat here in Prague, it was a delight to be back. In these first days, we see old students coming back a head taller, boys whose voices have suddenly dropped an octave or two, and the flattery of former students (we miss you sir!). No really, that's what they said! I suppose they're hedging their bets in case they get me next year.

It really reminds me of the great honour and responsibility it is to be a teacher, and the important influence we have over these children. So, while it was a sweaty day, it was a good day.

On the first days back, I think it is important for teachers to keep their goals in mind for this next year, in order to stave off the stagnation that can occur in this profession if we do not keep testing our boundaries, and responding directly to our students. Personally, I want to improve my lessons in Primary this year. Last year, I sometimes came away from lessons feeling that I had not prepared the right activities, or I didn't have enough to keep the students engaged. This year, I aim to use a greater variety of activities in my primary lessons, and try out an untested activity each month. I'm also taking an online course to refresh my knowledge of young learners.

At the same time, with my secondary classes, I want to foster meaningful debates that lead to deeper reflection, which I think is so badly missing in our schools in these days of bubbles and balkanised political beliefs. I plan to focus on first principles; freedom of speech, equality before the law, and relations between the sexes, in order to foster a debate that challenges the students as well as helping them to outline their own views, rather than imposing my own.

In the end, as teachers we have a responsibility to find whatever way works to keep things fresh, keep ourselves engaged and hungry to face each challenge and inspire our students to reach their potentials. Otherwise, those relationships begin to crumble, both with our work, and with our students.

So, good luck to all my colleagues going back to school today, and chin up to the students who are already lamenting the summer holidays' end.