JET Mid-Year Meeting 2021-2022
Reflect, Refresh, Reach Forward was the theme of JET’s midyear meeting which included JET staff, participants from all districts, JET mentors, and district liaisons. Given the continued uncertainty in so many aspects of life as we’re approaching two years of living with the COVID-19 pandemic, we wanted to use our time together to reflect on successes and challenges, refresh heading into the new year, and reach forward toward achieving future goals.
We were heartened to see our community blossoming despite the difficult times. Participants were able to take space to share their achievements, challenges, and hopes for the future. Some of their comments reflected what most educators are feeling these days, constant pressure to adjust to changing circumstances in the classroom and make sense of it for themselves and their students.
Our meeting focused on adult social-emotional wellbeing, and what our participants can do to make time for that in their busy lives. It was exciting to see our participants coming together over the discussion of similar experiences - both successes and challenges. Successes included graduating from college, passing MTEL exams, and even having their own classroom. Participants also took the time to share personal self-care tips, such as getting outside or positive self-talk like reminding yourself not to take things too personally, with each other so that they can use them going forward. It was intriguing to hear about the ways in which JET participants recognized their influence over their students, particularly how their moods, behaviors, and attitudes impact their students directly. It is further motivation to keep going and to take care of their own well-being! Especially in such a challenging time.
With the help of their own mentors and support systems, JET participants are pushing through and working towards the ultimate goal of becoming a teacher. The outcomes of the meeting reflect the importance of a peer learning community to support the journey of aspiring educators. As always, it was an exciting afternoon with everyone together, and we look forward to hearing about even more achievements in June!