As we wrap up 2024, it’s the perfect time to pause and reflect on the year gone by. Reflection is a powerful tool for growth, and as online teachers and tutors, it allows us to celebrate successes, learn from challenges, and set meaningful goals for the year ahead.

Here are nine questions to guide your end-of-year reflection. Consider journaling your answers for deeper insight!

1) What were your three biggest wins?

It’s important to celebrate the wins in life, no matter how small they might seem. A year can pass in the blink of an eye, and without taking a moment to acknowledge our achievements, we risk losing sight of how far we’ve come. Perhaps you taught your 1,000th class this year, helped a struggling student master a difficult concept, or finally perfected your virtual classroom setup. No matter the scale, be proud of your accomplishments.

2) What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?

Online teaching is not for the faint of heart. From technical glitches to unengaged students, every online teacher faces challenges. Reflecting on how you navigated these challenges can reveal your resilience and problem-solving skills. Did you adopt a new tool, refine your teaching method, or seek advice from a colleague? Thinking about how you overcame challenges will help you push through new challenges that may arise in the future.

3) How have you grown as an educator?

Growth is an essential part of any teaching journey. Perhaps this year you embraced new technologies, developed innovative lesson plans, or honed your ability to connect with students. Recognizing your growth helps foster a mindset that thrives on continuous improvement. By visualizing or writing down your growth year after year, you will see all the progress you’ve made, and that’ll surely motivate you to become a better educator.

4) Which students stood out to you the most and why?

Think back to the students who made an impact on you this year. Maybe it was the student who overcame a language barrier, the one whose enthusiasm was contagious, or someone you helped achieve a personal milestone. Just as students leave a lasting impact on teachers, teachers also leave a lasting impression on students, often without realizing it. You may have helped multiple students get closer to their goals this year.

5) What are you most grateful for in your teaching role?

Sometimes it’s easier to focus on the negatives than the positives, especially when life feels like a constant stream of challenges. Gratitude, however, can shift your perspective and enhance your well-being. Whether it’s the flexibility of your remote teaching role, the support of your colleagues, or the joy of witnessing student progress, take a moment to appreciate what made this year special.

6) Who are some people that have supported you throughout this year?

Nobody succeeds alone. Think about the people who cheered you on–your colleagues, family, friends, or even your students. Consider expressing your gratitude to them by sending a text, giving them a call, or writing a thank-you note. Acknowledging their support can deepen those connections and make them feel appreciated. This will likely encourage them to continue supporting others in meaningful ways.

7) What is one new skill you’d like to incorporate into your teaching next year?

It’s tempting to set multiple New Year’s resolutions, but focusing on one or a few specific goals can be more impactful. Perhaps you want to master a new teaching platform, enhance your feedback techniques, or incorporate gamification into your lessons. Keep adding new skills to your teaching toolbox to become a better educator. Teachers are some of the best learners, so model the importance of learning new things to your students as well.

8) Did you make self-care a priority this year? How could it be more of a priority next year?

Online teaching can blur the boundaries between work and personal life, making it easy for teachers and tutors to burn out by the end of the year. As you juggle lesson planning, distinct student needs, and personal responsibilities day in and day out, self-care is crucial to help you stay healthy and sane. Reflect on how well you prioritized rest, hobbies, and activities that recharge you. Consider how you can take better care of your physical and mental health in the new year.

9) What is one moment from this year that reminded you why you chose to teach?

Teaching is more than just a profession, it’s a calling. Among the daily routines and challenges, there are often moments that reaffirm why you decided to become an educator in the first place. Maybe it was a heartfelt message from a student, a breakthrough in a lesson, or a class discussion that inspired you. Reflecting on these moments can reignite your passion for teaching and remind you of the deep impact you have on your students’ lives.

We hope you enjoyed this exercise and found it meaningful to reflect on the year. Remember that reflection isn’t just about thinking about the past; it’s a way to shape your future. We wish you a happy, fulfilling, and successful 2025!