By Jessica Jacobs, IU 18 PIIC Mentor

I feel that it is ironic to write about making time for reflection since I seem to struggle with this on a regular basis. Maybe that statement is not entirely true, but I will try to explain.

I believe there are two types of reflection: informal and formal.  I personally define informal reflection as casual conversations discussing how a presentation went or what went well.  Informal reflection may also encompass taking time out in the day to "think to myself" (I find that my 45 minute car ride to and from the office every  day is very conducive for this type of reflection).  The second type of reflection, formal reflection, is center stage for my personal struggle.  Since there are only so many hours in my workday, carving out a time for reflection is a challenge.  This does not come naturally and it seems rather difficult to "find" time.  Because of this, I have found that I must schedule reflection time in my work calendar and treat it as a sacred time.  From lessons learn from my past, if I do not schedule this time, something else will come up and the reflection will not happen.  This carries over for mentors working with coaches and coaches working with teachers.  You must schedule the time and schedule it as early as possible (perhaps while you are conducting the "before").  Mark it on a calendar.  Let all stakeholders know that it is sacred and necessary for real change to occur.

I feel that by scheduling time to reflect, we change our mindset from casual (informal reflection) to the next level (formal reflection) where we write questions and come to the table with expectations of accomplishing a goal to interrogate our reality.  So how does one make time for reflection? By scheduling the time within our day, week, and month with the mindset of honoring the schedule.