There will be times when scrapping what happened altogether may be the best plan and just starting over or moving on and then circling back at another time, but more often then not, it's worth it to just pause and reflect. These moments can yield a great deal of learning for everyone, including us.

Overwhelmed with always feeling like I'm making the wrong choice, I realize that the sacrifices I've made to get where I am now cannot be taken back, I can only look forward and sometimes temporary decisions must be made to mitigate further damage.

Read how Science teacher, Brian Klaft builds student communication by empowering students to be table captains. "Even though there is some tweaking to be done with this strategy one thing is for sure, putting my strongest communicators in leadership roles has made my classroom higher functioning. I see it in their conversations, in their collaborative work, self written work, and assessments. It has helped all students grow in many ways. Give it a try the next time you rearrange your class. It won't take long for you to see the positive results."

Ultimately, I am very confident that I capable to helping my students learn the way each of them need to. Despite the hoops that teachers have to jump through to prove that we can do that, it really comes down to the kids. Continually, I strive to better improve my practice, forfeit control and empower students to own their own learning in an authentic and meaningful way. When it works, I like to reflect on why and keep pushing harder and when it doesn't I have to examine what can be done differently. This is the only way I'll grow ...

If we truly want to change the world (and/or education), we have to work together; it's just too big of a project for any one person to take on alone. So if you have a great idea, share it. Find the right people who will lift you up and build it out and then make it happen. We are so much better together.

It's our mission to listen to teachers and highlight the many reasons they choose to stay in the classroom and build professional, lifelong careers. There are so many great schools, great teachers, and great communities of excellence both in New York City, and across the country. Let's recognize what's working. Let's celebrate the profession. Let's listen to why they stay.

What I appreciate most the ability to step back after a bad day and really put things in perspective. If a student and I had a difference of opinions and I didn't show the best side of myself, I can come back to class tomorrow, with a smile on my face and treat the day as new.

The same way teaching is an art and not just anyone can do it, teaching with tech takes knowledge and creativity and a willingness to take risks in order to explore learning differently.

Adults can often be the hardest students to please, ironically. We don't alway behave the way we'd hope our students would and sometimes teachers and administrators can be the worst offenders. However, if we make the learning personalized and continue to adjust as needed, the flexibility and choice will go a long way.

Overall, it wasn't a complete loss. I'm not giving up. Sometimes I expect so much from my students and myself that I skip steps and when it fails I'm hard on myself, but this is such an opportunity. I may even share this observation with students.