Teaching is a great career. But some days there doesn’t seem to be enough time.  This is my go-to guide for teacher time management.

The days are fun, new, fresh, exciting. And it can be incredibly stressful!

And I would be willing to bet that your to-do list is pretty overwhelming!

Let’s be honest. You can’t do it all. (At least not without minimal sleep and personal time.)

Now is when you need to prioritize, ask for help, and batch your work!

Grab that to-do list. And let’s get started with Teacher Time Management

1. What do you have to do yourself (take out the perfectionist part of you) and what really can only be done by you.
2. Now what can parent volunteers do? (bulletin boards? copies? laminate/cut? Assist with writer’s workshop? Read Aloud?
3. What can your friends and family help with? (copies, cutting, prepping, coloring) Think about what they can do with you while you are watching TV.
4. What is left on the list? Circle big items (the ones that will take the most time).
5. Now prioritize the list. What deadlines are the closest?

Time to Get it Done!

Take the list and batch things to help with your teacher time management. What does batching mean? See this sample schedule:

• Monday – Lesson plans for Math and Science
• Tuesday – Paperwork and Faculty Meeting
• Wednesday – Grading
• Thursday – Take Home Folders
• Friday – Copies for the following Week

(Click HERE for a FREE scheduling template!)

Can you do a few Lesson Plan Batch days? Maybe take a block of time on a Saturday and Sunday and plan that entire science unit? Then all that you have to do is print, copy, or paste it in your lesson plan form. Can you work with your team and do it together? You take science, another teacher do the social studies unit, and so on. Maybe meet at a coffee house or do a google hangout to keep each other on task? Then you just have to make the tweaks needed for your students.

You can also help mentally with checking off the little things on your list first.  This will make your list seem shorter and not quite so overwhelming.  I think of this like my laundry.  I like to fold the towels and sheets first because they are easy to fold and my pile gets much shorter jut by taking these out.

This is the most important part! Don’t forget this step!!! Reward yourself! Planned out that entire unit? Get your favorite snack, go out and do your favorite activity, or just binge-watch your new favorite series (Suits is my go to reward right now!)

I hope your checklist just got a makeover. One that makes it look much more sleek and slim! Hit reply and let me know how it’s going. Don’t hesitate to ask questions!

Forgot the FREE batching template? Grab it here!

Happy Teaching!

Jessica

P.S. – Here is a little fun music for your personal grading time!