For those 37 years I was in the classroom, not only did I teach three subjects, I also coached golf for 33 year and directed musicals and shows for 20 years, plus I served on many committees. I learned very quickly that I had to become a good time manager to be able to fulfill all the requirements of my school jobs, plus my real life as a wife. I am willing to share a few ideas with you that worked for me.
First, I kept a giant desk calendar with everything I needed to know about my life and my jobs at just a glance. You can read more about the calendar in a previous blog.
http://bunnyteacher.blogspot.com/2018/12/this-is-new-year-new-beginning-and.html
Next, I kept separate briefcases for each of my jobs. I had a briefcase for my classes, as well as one for my job as golf coach, and another for when I directed the musical, and yet another for directing the talent shows. I can't tell you how much time it saved me - no more looking through papers in one overstuffed and unorganized briefcase! I left a few papers in there from year to year (in a manila folder marked with the year), and when I needed an idea or to make a checklist of tasks to complete, I did not have to reinvent the wheel.
The school day is packed and teachers seldom have much time, but when a few minutes appeared, I did not waste them talking to friends or looking at my phone. If I had just 10 minutes until a class, I used that time to call the parent who left a message earlier. I explained that I had only 10 minutes, which meant the conversation did not drone on and on. We cut to the chase and resolved the issue. If I found another 5 minutes, I used it to input grades. When you add up all the tiny increments of time in a week, a teacher can get quite a bit done, using that time wisely. Ten minutes is plenty of time to answer a parent email or complete a form for a student.
Teachers should set realistic goals. Don't make a list of things to do that is so long you are defeated before you begin. Also, what can you delegate? I always had great ideas for bulletin boards, but little time to implement them. My 10th graders were happy to come in during their study halls and create a beautiful and meaningful bulletin board, following my ideas , and adding their own. Students enjoyed being involved and adding beauty and meaning to our classroom. I liked the idea that students shared ownership of the classroom.
Another suggestion - use your commute time to and from school as planning time. In the mornings, I would plan what I needed to do and who I needed to see that day. On the drive home, I reflected on accomplishments, and thought about what I needed to do for the next day. This really worked for me.
I hope some of these tips can help you to get work done more quickly, so that you have more time for yourself and your family. Work and school are important, but your family should come first. Good luck!
As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions.
Rittman Publishing, LLC ®
Please invite Grady Gets Glasses (and me) into your school. if you are not in the Pittsburgh area, we do virtual field trips with a group called Field Trip Zoom. www.Fieldtripzoom.com GRADY GETS GLASSES was the winner of Best New Children's Book 2016 and 2018 (new edition) from The Authors' Zone.Grady also won a 2018 prestigious Moonbeam Award for Best Children's Book with Merchandise.
Visit Dede's webpage for complete details on her award-winning book, STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER. Many colleges have made the book required reading. Signed copies are available www.dederittman.com Dede is also a national speaker on The Three C's for Classroom success: Confidence, communication, and Creativity; Avoiding Teacher burnout; and many other inspirational topics.
I LOVE writing. And I love writing children's books- my newest passion. Although it will be a ton of work, I am looking forward to selling my books. Since I was a secondary teacher, I know that I have much to learn about elementary students, and I will have to follow my own advice and be my genuine self. However, I also know that I am passionate about helping kids who have to wear glasses, and that GRADY GETS GLASSES sends a positive message. I am willing to work hard and do all the things that also made me a successful teacher for 37 years. I remain inspired!
Elementary teachers in Western Pennsylvania and beyond - I am willing to come into your classroom in person or as a virtual field trip through a group called Field Trip Zoom. Check them out! http://www.fieldtripzoom.com/
Teacher friends- let me know if you want me to read GRADY GETS GLASSES at your school. I am willing to come in to discuss the creative writing process, why writing is important, and personal fulfillment through writing, along with reading my book. I would appreciate the exposure, and I would make signed copies available for purchase in your classrooms following the reading. Please email me at dederittman@gmail.com The website www.gradygetsglasses.com now has plush Grady bunnies for sale!
Please like Dede's new page Grady Gets Glasses for updates about her children's book. https://www.facebook.com/gradygetsglasses?ref=hl
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