Thursday, 6 September 2018

Teacher Time Saving Tips

It's no secret - teachers are busy!  I have five of my own tried and true teacher time saving tips to share with you today, as well as some bonus tips from other teachers!

1. Make Extra Copies

This is such a simple tip!  When you're at the copier, make 2-3 more copies than you think you'll need.  If you get an unexpected new student - you're covered!  If a student makes a mistake - no problem!  If you decide you want to model and need your own copy - you can!

2. Organize Your Desk Space Daily

I don't know about you, but my desk space looks like a bomb blew up by the end of each day.  Whenever a student brings in book orders or hot lunch orders, I say, "Put it on my desk."  My have drunk coffee... goes on my desk.  That heap of marking I want to take home (but might not!) goes on my desk.

If you don't take a few minutes before heading home to tidy up, this can really mess up your productivity.  You'll be wondering where things are and wasting valuable teaching moments to dig through the stacks to find them.  A few minutes each day saves a lot in the long run.

3. Prioritize

The workload as a teacher can be never ending.  It is easy to spend your time ticking off the little things, and not really getting anywhere.  Figure out what your most pressing "To-Do" is and get it done first.  Getting that big job out of the way can also give you satisfaction and incentive to accomplish more of the smaller jobs faster!

4. Check and Recheck Your Year Plan

You spent hours on your year plan in the fall, so don't forget about it!  Having an overall flow for the year allows you to know where you're going.  Check it periodically to make sure that you are on track and focused. 

5. Stay Away From Drama

A school is full of drama!  When you're walking down the hallway on your prep time it's easy to get distracted.  Remember, if the situation doesn't need you, stay out of it and stay focused on what you need to get done.

Bonus Tips

Pack your lunch and lay out your clothes the night before. Be patient with yourself when you don't get all the papers graded in one sitting...our scholars can't focus that long either...  ~ Kris Leach

Grocery pickup!!! Order online and go pick up.  ~ Kimberly Witt Bell

Use your planning time to do work when possible, and remember that not everything has to be done today.  ~ Vicky Teal

Prep and freeze lunches on Sunday! ~ Sharon Lara

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