On the best bits of 2024
A reflection on my third year of publishing
Professionally, this has been a big year for me — possibly an unsustainable one. I did a life audit recently to figure out where my time goes and how each activity ladders up to my professional and personal goals. Interestingly, writing was the thing that seems to have sparked most of the professional opportunities that I’ve been given.
The end of a year, especially for teachers, when we have finished four consecutive sprints, is a good time to reflect on where we’ve been and where we are going. I was surprised to see that I wrote 24 pieces last year. In the busy-ness of the year, it felt like a lot less!
I’ve come to a comfortable pace with publishing. I don’t write unless I have something to say, and that cadence seems to be hovering at about once a fortnight. I’m okay with that level of productivity. I’ve gained just over 1,000 subscribers this year and my writing will always be free, such is the professional benefit and satisfaction it gives me.
I’m embarking on PhD study in 2025 and I have made some space to make it happen. Writing regularly has had a really important place in this. I have a tangential mind, and research tends to lose its timeless relevance if it’s only grounded in the debates of the day. So my supervisor has a magic phrase he can utter to redirect my attention when necessary: “This sounds more like a Substack post.”
My final reflection is more of a ‘thank you.’ When I started this Substack, my principal at the time trusted my professionalism, and with his blessing enabled me to have a voice, something that many teachers are not allowed. He was my third ever subscriber. He also taught me how to turn around a school; when you see it, you can’t unsee it. Chris, thank you — and go get ‘em in Canberra in 2025.
Below you’ll find my three most viewed posts for 2024. The only prediction I get about whether a post will be popular is how good it feels to connect the dots as I’m writing. I certainly felt the ‘flow’ with these three. I hope you enjoyed them too.
Congratulations on commencing a phD, so challenging but worthwhile all at the same time. And as you say, I have found time-blocking for writing (and rewriting after your supervisors get at it) is essential. All the best with it!
I don't read all the posts I'm subscribed to in full but yours are the ones I'm most likely to. Thank you for your thoughtful, thought-provoking and sensible writing.