9 examples of SMART goals for teachers in 2023 (2023)

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In March 2020, the world was turned upside down when the novel coronavirus outbreak became the Covid-19 pandemic.

Schools have been closed, prompting their students to start distance learning. Some teachers lost their footing and lost sight of their goals. What could they do to achieve the goals they had for their students and even for themselves when classrooms were empty and schools were empty?

Regardless of the future uncertainty surrounding student and teacher return to school, it is important to focus on being positive. In particular, you should create goals for the short-term future.

With that in mind, here is a list of 9 SMART goal examples for teachers to use this school year and beyond.

What are SMART goals?

To adjustcorrect lesson goals, the goals must be “SMART”. But what does that mean?

SMART goals are well thought out and planned goals that have a high probability of success.

SMART is a framework acronym that describes how you should set your goals and what your goals should encompass. There are three different types of SMART goals: short-term, long-term, and lifetime. Set short-term goals for the next three months; long-term goals for your future; and life goals, which are just like long-term goals but continually evolving as they are your primary life goals.

SMART goalsshould meet the following criteria:

S:Specific

M:Measurable

A:Reachable

R:Relevant

T:time bound

Specific

When it comes to concrete goals, they must be clear and understandable.

Measurable

Establish concrete criteria to measure progress toward each goal you set.

Reachable/reachable

When you identify your most important goals, you find ways to achieve them. They develop the attitudes, skills, talents, and financial means to achieve those goals. Goals that seem unattainable come closer and become achievable - not because they get smaller, but because you improve and grow to reach them.

Relevant/Realistic

Realistic and relevant goals must represent a goal that you want and can work towards. If you really believe you can achieve your goal, then it's realistic.

Time bound/tangible

Each goal should have a time frame, otherwise there is no sense of urgency. "Eventually" will not work to achieve your goals. Your goal is tangible when it is specific and measurable and therefore achievable.

Why is it important for teachers to set SMART goals?

Many teachers have an idea of ​​what the next school year should look like, but many do not. According to educational researchEducators setting goalsnotice a significant improvement in their teaching and self-awareness.

Teachers who aim to improve their teaching skills have a much greater interest in their careers and a more positive teaching self-esteem.

Surveys show that teachers who set goals feel they have improved as a teacher by the end of the school year.

But what else can goal setting do for teachers?

AttitudeSMART goalscan help teachers:

9 examples of SMART goals for teachers in 2023

lesson goalsfall into one of four classifications: improving classroom organization, optimizing instruction time, increasing student engagement, and strengthening student discussion.

Here is a list of 9 SMART goal examples for teachers:

1. Read a classic novel

"By [date], the first day of school, I will begin reading a 400-page classic novel with my students to stimulate their interest in reading and expand their vocabulary and appreciation for books."

S:The goal is specific and to the point.

M:The school year typically runs from September to June, so it's best if your students finish the book in April, which gives them 7.5 months to read four hundred pages in full, or about 14 pages a week/2 pages a week Day. That is achievable.

A:Since you are in control of your words and temper, this is an achievable goal.

R:When you have your students read a book, you get closer to instilling in them an appreciation for reading and an expanded vocabulary.

T:This goal has a start date and a daily/weekly progression period.

Reading is one of the most important things people can do - especially students. Make sure you educate your students about this importance, which will motivate them and help them feel invited to read, rather than making them despise the concept of learning and books.

2. Start a fundraiser

"By [date], I want my classes to start a fundraiser to raise $500 throughout the school year for a local charity of their choice."

S:You state that you would like your students to raise funds throughout the school year for a local charity of their choice - you answered the 5 Ws - who, what, where, when and why.

M:Each time a student raises money and adds it to the total, you approach $500.

A:This goal is achievable and achievable.

R:This goal helps students understand the misfortunes of others and raises their awareness of those who are struggling, thereby learning about the real world and not just the information found in books.

T:The start date is [date] and the end date is the last day of school - the entire school year.

Students do not have to follow in your footsteps, but should emulate your attitude and passion. This imitation will inspire your students to persevere and have hope despite mind-breaking obstacles that may come their way. Inspire them to take on challenges. You are the role model for overcoming challenges and failures, thereby showing them the values ​​and qualities they must have in all their future endeavors. Teach your students to think, not just memorize information for a test.

3. Understand my students better

"By [date], I will begin learning from my students each school year by actively listening, asking questions, and considering their point of view to improve my understanding of my students."

S:You have clearly stated your goals and why you want to achieve them.

M:Each time you discuss something with a student is a unit that measures your pursuit of that goal.

A:You can achieve this goal by initiating conversations with your students.

R:This goal is relevant and realistic as it relates to improving your skills as a teacher.

T:You have set a starting date for each school year on which you can start implementing your goal achievement.

There is so much that teachers can learn from their students. If you find that one of your teaching methods isn't going so well, ask a colleague what they did or watch a YouTube video to learn. Things are always changing with Covid-19 and learning means adapting to the changes introduced next school year - which are not meant to hinder you but to help you grow rather than remain stagnant. With the different personalities surrounding you every day, your understanding of life expands.

4. Organize my files

"By [date] I will have organized my files and thrown away old materials to keep things tidy."

S:This goal states what you want to achieve and why you want to achieve it.

M:This goal is measurable by finding out if you have achieved your goal by the date you set.

A:You can achieve this goal by working towards your set date bit by bit, making it an achievable goal.

R:Staying organized as a teacher is important to provide the best education for your students.

T:You set the set date to give your goal a deadline and time frame.

If you consider yourself a short-tempered person, you may find this goal challenging. Remember to maintain your reputation as a professional by refraining from obscenities and profanity. Students have a lot to learn and need your patience. They play a huge role in a student's psychological development and hope for the future. Make sure you develop creative, critical thinking and problem-solving skills to solve problems quickly. Also try meditation.

5. Sign up for an educational course

"By [date] I will have enrolled in an educational course to improve my teaching skills as I strive to get better."

S:This goal states exactly what you want to do and why.

M:Your enrollment in the course measures progress towards that goal, as well as self-reflection to find out what you have learned and how you will apply the information.

A:Since you can only improve yourself and you control whether you go to the course or not, this goal is achievable.

R:Since you are a teacher who wants to get better, an educational course that improves one's teaching skills is relevant and realistic.

T:The educational course has set time frames and you have a date when you can register for it.

Improving yourself is only possible if you want to. Strive to bring out the best in your students because teaching is one of your most important contributions to the progress of the world.

6. Avoid teacher burnout

“On [date] I will start doing thisAvoid teacher burnoutat school, by arranging my schedule to include at least an hour of “me” time each day to do what I want to do.”

S:This goal explicitly answers the 5Ws—who, what, where, when, and why.

M:You can see your progress by taking an hour each day for yourself.

A:You have the power and authority to achieve this goal.

R:This goal is relevant to your success as a teacher.

T:The goal is a daily period of one hour.

Be sure to take time for yourself. It's not an unrealistic, pointless, selfish, or impossible idea. To reduce stress and be an effective teacher, you need to make time for yourself. You can start with something small and later strive for something bigger. You become happier when you make time for yourself.

7. Five Up Control in the classroom

"By [date], I will start giving up control of the classroom once a week and letting my students rule so they can have a say in their education."

S:You have expressly formulated this goal clearly.

M:Determine the progress of your goal based on improved student grades, classroom interaction and feedback.

A:You're the one who decides who controls your classroom, so this is an achievable goal.

R:This goal is relevant for you as a teacher to teach and for the youth in your class as students to learn.

T:You have decided to schedule one day per week with a start date of [date] to give students control.

Some teachers are afraid to give up their control, but giving your students some control over how they learn can be beneficial to you. It helps them have confidence and pride in their work. It also conveys meaning and motivation. Give your students a few options.

Side Note: If you're looking for bulletin board ideas,Here's our roundup of our favorite summer bulletin boards.

8. Contact the parents

"By [date] I will have contacted at least 10 parents by phone or email to win them over to their student and class."

S:This goal shows your clearly formulated goal.

M:Each parent who responds counts as one measurement, so you can measure your progress each time a parent attends school in a 4-week period.

A:You have all the tools you need to achieve this goal.

R:This goal is relevant to the student's success in the classroom and realistic for a teacher.

T:You have set a date to achieve this goal and a time frame to measure your progress.

Most teachers want parents to be more involved, but many teachers have responsibilities that prevent them from achieving this. But you can invite the parents to play an active role in the student's education. Encourage parents to volunteer, commission a family project, or extend an invitation to attend class events.

9. Make learning fun

"By [date], I will start enjoying my learning by replacing weekly worksheets and lectures with games and projects."

S:You have set a goal with a precise and detailed goal.

M:Every time you see a student's grades improve and hear their positive feedback on the lesson, you know your plan is working and you've achieved your goal.

A:By using other means to teach your students, you'll still stay on top of your lesson plans and curriculum while watching your students' grades improve.

R:Because students learn more when they're having fun, this goal is totally relevant and realistic.

T:You've set a date for when you want to start your goal and you want to continue to reach your goal each week.

Turn worksheets into games and lessons into experiments. Bring the classroom outside and give your students options.Learning should be funSo put yourself in the shoes of your students and imagine how that could happen.

Final Thoughts

There you have it. SMART goals for teachers in 2023 should be specific, measurable, achievable/attainable, realistic/relevant and time-bound/tangible.Set your educational goalsBy following these steps and applying the tips above, you'll be on your way to a great school year!

Need more inspiration?Check out our summary of SMART goal templates to help you create your goals for this school year.

And if you're looking for more examples of SMART goals for educators, check out these blog posts:

• 8 examples of SMART goals for kindergarten teachers
• 11 Examples of SMART Goals for Special Education Teachers
• 10 Examples of SMART Goals for an IEP (Individualized Education Program)

Finally, if you want to take your goal setting efforts to the next level,Check out this FREE printable worksheet and step-by-step process to help you set effective SMART goals.