Save time and frustration drafting yearly education goals using these SMART goal examples for elementary teachers.
Goal-setting for teachers involves establishing targeted objectives in areas that educators want to improve as it relates to teaching and learning.
The secret lies in the execution of actionable steps created in order to achieve those goals.
The issue is brainstorming enough elementary teacher SMART goal examples that meet all the criteria.
If you dread writing professional goals as an elementary teacher and need a bit of inspiration, the following examples of smart goals for elementary teachers will be helpful.
What is the Criteria for Elementary Teacher SMART Goal Examples?
The SMART criteria for goal-setting is a widely-used framework to create effective and achievable goals.
SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
For an elementary teacher, here’s how each element is applied to create a SMART goal.
S: Specific – The goal should be clear and well-defined. Instead of a vague statement like “Improve student performance,” the goal should specify exactly what area the elementary teacher aims to improve.
M: Measurable – The goal should include a way to track and measure progress.
A: Attainable – The goal should be realistic and attainable given the resources and time available.
R: Realistic – The goal should align with the teacher’s overall objectives. It should also address a genuine need or improvement area that will benefit students’ learning.
T: Time-Bound – The goal should have a specific timeline for completion. Having a deadline creates a sense of urgency and helps elementary teachers stay focused on achieving the goal.
SMART Goal Examples for Elementary Teachers
Following you will find teacher professional goal examples that you can copy, modify, and use for your own elementary teacher SMART goals.
Each of the following smart goal examples for elementary teachers follows the SMART criteria cited above.
Example #1
This semester, I will encourage a growth mindset in students by sharing motivational quotes daily and engaging in regular discussions about perseverance and effort during morning meetings.
Example #2
This semester, I will meet with at least 90% of parents, whether that be in-person or virtually, to discuss their child’s progress.
Example #3
This semester, I will reduce the number of distractions in the classroom by implementing clear procedures for transitions and managing supplies.
Related Content: 50 SMART Goal Examples for Teachers
Example #4
This school year, students will partake in two virtual field trips related to our human body science unit and natural resources social studies unit.
Example #5
For the 2023-2024 school year, third-grade students will choose a local, curriculum-aligned charity to support by raising at least $150.
Example #6
During the math money unit, students will participate in two project-based learning financial literacy activities that relate to the overall learning objectives.
Example #7
Within the next 2 years, I plan to obtain my Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction so that I am one step closer to becoming a Reading Specialist within the next 5 years.
Example #8
For the 2023-2024 school year, every two weeks I’ll find one more way to implement another organizational technique to control the constant paper flow of student work.
Example #9
For the summer of [insert date], I will participate in a summer workshop at the National Endowment for the Humanities focusing on a topic that relates to material from one of the 4th grade social studies units.
Example #10
For each math unit covered during the school year, students will complete one project-based learning activity related to the primary math learning objectives from that respective unit.
Example #11
This school year, every quarter, I will formally evaluate students’ writing progress using writing prompts and writing rubrics/checklists.
Example # 12
Each month next quarter, I will obtain at least three hours of continuing education credits in areas where I need improvement. I will keep a record of my hours.
Example #13
Each week, I will include one study skills lesson in my lesson plans.
Example #14
I will increase the number of students who score at or above grade level on the formal reading assessment by 80% by the end of the school year.
Example #15
This semester, I will attend at least one online technology professional development workshop every two weeks.
Example #16
I will increase the attendance of parents/guardians at parent-teacher conferences by 50% compared to the previous year by utilizing multiple communication channels, sending regular updates, and offering flexible scheduling options for conferences.
Example #17
For the next 12 weeks, I will incorporate one new STEM project each week to promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills among students.
Example #18
This quarter, I will implement two mini-mindfulness exercises to improve students’ self-regulation and reduce disruptive behaviors.
Example #19
This semester, I will provide at least two written statements of constructive feedback to students on their formal writing pieces in order to help them improve their writing skills.
Example #20
This semester, I will send home each month at least one kind note about students to parents in order to improve parent-teacher interactions
Example #21
I will encourage peer collaboration by assigning one project-based learning group activity per quarter.
Example #22
Once a week this quarter, I will utilize technology tools to create interactive quizzes for students.
Example #23
For the next 12 weeks, I will incorporate a brain break during each lesson in order to improve students’ focus and attention during class time.
Example #24
I will enhance students’ writing skills by having each student produce a well-structured paragraph each week.
Example #25
By the end of the quarter, 80% of students will accurately identify 100 sight words from the Dolch list.
Example #26
This quarter, I will assign students a fun reading challenge each week in order to expose them to different book genres.
Example #27
I will enhance students’ creativity by incorporating art and hands-on projects into the curriculum, aiming for one project per subject per quarter.
Example #28
During the second semester, I will increase parental involvement by hosting a monthly parent workshop or informational session.
Example #29
I will support struggling students by offering after-school tutorial sessions two times per week this semester.
Example #30
This semester, I will implement a student reward system to acknowledge positive behavior and encourage a more positive classroom atmosphere.
Example #31
For each major holiday within the 2nd and 4th quarters of the school year, I will invite at least 2 parent volunteers to the class to assist students with holiday crafts and activities.
Example #32
For the 2023-2024 school year, I will participate in 15 hours of ESL professional development.
Example #33
Each quarter, all students will present one reader’s theater that aligns with a learning objective in math, science, or social studies.
Final Thoughts On Elementary Teacher SMART Goal Examples
Now you have plenty of examples of smart goals for elementary teachers to use as inspiration as you draft your own.
Spend time now mapping out a plan so that you achieve your professional goals by the end of the school year.
These elementary teacher smart goal examples will save you time and frustration.