O Remember that everything doesn’t have to be perfect.
O Realize the in-basket will never be empty.
O Write down the funny things your students say. Look at them when you’re feeling stressed.
O Keep a file of positive notes, cards, and letters. Review them regularly.
O Laugh often.
O Write down why you wanted to become a teacher in the first place and read it to yourself if you
start to question your choice.
Managing Your Time Effectively:
O Prioritize – You need to know what matters to you.
O Simplify – It doesn’t have to be picture perfect, at home or at work.
O Plan – Create a schedule that is reasonable. Remember that your schedule is to help you, not
make you its slave. If it’s not done, it’s okay!
O Make choices – Balance chores you like with those you don’t. Don’t turn leisure activities into
chores.
O Eliminate – Give up something and schedule a “free night” or “free day”, at least one day a week.
O Get help – Use your support systems! This might include family, friends, colleagues, federation
support, agencies, etc.
O Delegate – Consider how chores/responsibilities can be balanced among each family member or,
at work, delegated to students and colleagues. Delegating often requires teaching others initially
and backing off when it is not done. Make sure that you are not taking on responsibilities that are
not yours.
O Delay – It’s okay ... everything doesn’t have to be done immediately!
Manage Your Work Effectively
Understanding that the teacher’s work is never completely finished and that we could fill every minute of
every day with something for our job, helps us to plan and make decisions about what is most important.
Here are some tips to help keep you on track and confident that you are managing your work effectively:
O Maintain plans for units, daily work, and other tasks.
O Keep assessment and evaluation records in one place.
O Avoid spending too much time making everything look “cute.”
O Let students take an active role in creating bulletin boards, organizing math/art materials, etc.
O Return student work as quickly as possible.
O Tackle one task at a time and then move on. Don’t become overwhelmed.
O Don’t mark every single piece of work for everything. Select key performance examples that
support the curriculum to include an assessment picture of each student. Tests should always be
graded and returned.
O Use assessment checklists/rubrics to assist in student, self, and peer review of the work before
you mark it.
O Use a daily agenda posted for student and personal use.
O Outline your week. Use a calendar and chart overview to assist organization.
O Prepare copied materials several days or weeks ahead. Place items in a folder marked for the day
of the week.
O Plan! Plan! Plan!
O Maintain a “To Do” folder with items that need to be completed right away
O Work smarter – PLAN, PRIORITIZE, DO.
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