Do you feel stressed, worried, overwhelmed with all of the hats you wear each day? If so then let me share 8 teacher habits that will take the worry away.
I used to lay awake at night worrying. I would worry if I graded all of my papers, submitted the paperwork for administration, responded to that parent email. Two am would become a familiar friend and by the time I arrived at school the next day, I was already stressed. Eventually I started looking around and noticed that some teachers weren’t in the same tizzy I was each day. And here is why.
Successful Teacher Habit #1: They have a weekly schedule.
Having a weekly schedule can help you focus on what is important each day. Too many times teachers start the day with an impossible to-do list. Decide on the days you want to grade, or plan. Put all administration paperwork on days when you have faculty meetings. To learn more read: The Importance of a Weekly Schedule (a freebie is included).
Successful Teacher Habit #2: They prep for the next day BEFORE leaving school.
If you don’t have time or energy for anything else, just get your room prepped. Having the homework for the next day posted, the date changed, your EQs or objectives changed out will start your next day on target. You won’t be as rushed, you are prepared if an observer pops in, and you have time to greet your students when they arrive.
Successful Teacher Habit #3: They use their parent volunteers
Successful teachers know how to use parents. Many times your parents want to help, they just don’t know how. They are busy at work, don’t know how to help, or are afraid to help. Make it easy for them to volunteer. Have tasks that can be done at home. Hold a training session for anyone that wants to come in and help. Show them how to use the copier, how to lead a writing critique group, or practice reading and math skills. The more welcoming and open you can make the classroom, the more they will help.
Successful Teacher Habit #4: The gave up striving for perfection.
No matter how hard you try, perfection is impossible. There will always be crayons missing wrappers, markers drying out, and kids will have bad days. Quit trying for perfect and try for happy. Find gratitude in each day. If your kids are chatty, be happy they get along. If homework doesn’t get turned in, hey there is less you have to grade.
Successful Teacher Habit #5: They planned (most of) their assessments for the year in August.
Successful teachers plan their assessments before the lessons. Plan out more assessments than required each quarter. Let the assessment guide your teaching and reteaching. And plan the last assessment for each quarter a week before grades are due. This saves so much worry and stress.
Grab the FREE Assessment Schedule here.
Successful Teacher Habit #6: They set office hours
Set those hours and tell them to parents. If your family, your workout, your regenerating time is at a specific time each day, tell people. Tell your team. If you answer e-mails during your workout, if you respond to texts during dinner, they will keep coming. If you want to check in before bedtime pick a specific time and make time for you to cool down just in case you have a demanding administrator, parent, or team member.
Successful Teacher Habit #7: They ASKED FOR and ACCEPTED help!
You aren’t an island. Someone once told me, “Let’s help each other make it through this life.” You can’t do it all. And day by day your to-do list is growing longer and longer. You will go crazy trying to keep up. Let others help you through this teacher life.
Successful Teacher Habit #8: They avoid the negative talk.
Get away from the negativity. Negativity breeds negativity. Stay positive. Successful teachers focus on what they love about the job. And the more positive they focus on, the more positive they get. Be grateful for everyone you come in contact with (even those kids that drive you crazy).
Want more habits to keep both you and your students successful? Check out this eBook and Planner!
Want more ideas on successful habits? Read these:
The Importance of Having a Weekly Schedule
The #1 Way to Improve Student Behavior
How a Little Mystery Can Create Classroom Management Magic
The Ultimate Guide to Starting the School Year
4 Fun Ways to Ensure Your Classroom Expectations are Being Met
Today was the day that I needed to read this blog post. I have been teaching for 20 years and this really hit home today! I don’t know if it is my personal life, the time of school year, or jsut one bad day, but THANK YOU for sharing!!!
You are so welcome. Glad this helped! I have been there and totally get it. I hope your year turns around soon. Happy Fall!
Jessica
Your post has really helped me to take stock of my life. I need to have a work life balance now, or I’ll end up getting out of the profession that I dearly love. I am definitely going to start using these tips – from today! Thanks for your post.
Makes me so happy that this helped! There are way too many great teachers leaving so I hope you find a balance quickly! Keep in touch and let me know how it’s going. Hope you have a fabulous week!
Jessica
I found relief
Yay! Makes my day to hear that! I hope you can enjoy it the rest of the school year!
Jessica