Well Managed Time + Energy = Accomplishment = More Personal Time
Wasted Time + Energy = Less Accomplished = More Work Time
Which of these do you want as YOUR experience?
I think the answer is CLEAR!
Read further for
TIME MANAGEMENT TIPS for TEACHERS
KNOW YOUR STRENGTHS & WEAKNESSES
Self Assess, Revise, Enhance or Keep these Traits
As Teachers, these skills are a must & we all have them in varying degrees.
Decision Making
Delegation
Desk Management
Organizational Skills
Prioritization
Here is a list of Time Keepers and Time Losers. You’ll be amazed at the difference you will experience by focusing on the Keepers and being aware of the Losers in your daily schedule!
Time Keepers
- Go for the big tasks first: You’ll feel you got a lot done with energy to spare.
- Preempting Conflict: Conflict is a huge energy zapper. Use common sense when dealing with colleagues or students.
- Skill Acquisition: Besides the list above, teachers require numerous skills. The use of technology or accessing resources for example can save tremendous time & energy. It may take some up front time, but well worth it in the long run.
- Organize and organize some more. Although this is listed above, the teachers who have commented on the subject say this is the most important to save time and for accomplishment.
- Manage Priorities: When so much is essential to complete, arrange tasks by urgent, vital and important.
- Teachers are the most likely the best decision makers on the planet. Think about how many decisions are made constantly in regards to classroom, lessons and responding to about 100 kids per day! Helpful advice to improve is: 1) Appreciate your ability! 2) Make decisions in advance – that is, in your mind while your driving or recount other times when a smart decision is made and do it again!
- Plan lessons in advance for a week or more. Also plan some classes that have students do independent work so you can get grading or other necessary things accomplished.
- Delegation. This can be tricky when it is your classroom and you are responsible for everything. However, you can exchange ideas/lessons with another teacher. Pick different students to be “class clerk” and assign specific room tasks.
- Have students grade each other’s papers; then enter directly into the computer. You’ll save time by keeping only one grading system (versus both, grade book and computer grades). If necessary on the weekends, but keep it time limited and chose a time that you can really focus.
Time Losers
- Procrastination. Teachers always have deadlines to meet, so procrastination may not be part of your vocabulary. But if it is, realize it can be a bad habit. If it does apply to you, become aware and work on changing it. Make lists of “To Do’s “ and stick to it. Keep in mind that some delays may prove beneficial. Realize the difference between a timely delay, and then finish those tasks that you need to.
- Stress. If you are very stressed out, hold off on that new and untried lesson plan. It is okay to do a repeat if it saves or restores your energy. Or, show an educational video so you can catch up on other necessities. Hold them accountable by including a writing assignment or create questions for each other once the film is done.
- Emails and more emails! These are endless. Schedule a block time each day to check them. Do not respond unless you need to, then respond with minimal detail. However, if your response is unclear it will take more time to clarify with that person. So re-read it for accuracy before you send it.
- Saying “Yes” to too many committees or extra curricular activities. Learn it is okay to say “No”. Chose those things that you really feel good about doing so you don’t resent the time spent on it.
Final Teacher Tips
Share time saving ideas with fellow teachers.
Give support when you can and ask for help if you need it.
