Time Management For Teachers In The Real World

In some world very similar to our own in a parallel universe, there is a perfect world where time management for teachers is never an issue. Everything is in its place and all the trains run on time. Teachers can smoothly juggle home life with lesson planning, paper marking and meetings. Unfortunately, we live in this world and therefore time management for teachers is something that must be dealt with if a modern teacher wants to stay sane and have a life outside of the classroom.

Get Organized Enough

An important time management tip for teachers is to learn to become organized – but only organized enough so that it does not become an obsession. For example, you should have your desk reasonably organized. Supplies should be in one drawer, files in another, a gun in the third (Sorry – couldn't resist). You shouldn't need to worry about each pen and each file going into EXACTLY the right spot – the ballpark of being in the desk is good enough.

Get Enough Sleep

This might not seem like an important time management tip for teachers, but it is. You can't make educated and logical decisions without proper rest. If you have to, go to the doctor to find out why you are not sleeping well. Make sleep a priority. When you are well rested, you are better able to concentrate, deal with changing situations and screaming parents.

Also, no matter how late it is and how much still to do, if you are fatigued, don't do the task and go to bed. Take a cat nap in the middle of the day in the teacher's lounge or in your car if necessary in order to recharge your batteries. This time management for teachers tip will help your overall life, which in turn helps your teaching.

Learn To Say No

Another important time management tip for teachers is not trying to be Superteacher. You will not be able to do it all, so don't even try. If you are offered a teacher's assistant, take it and learn how to delegate work. If a parent volunteers to help out, say yes and then set them to work. (Parents usually only volunteer just to see if you are a competent teacher. Once they realize you are okay, they suddenly never show up again).

If you cannot get help at work, then you need to say no in your private life. Tell your kids to find their own way to and from their soccer practice – or, better yet, have them drop soccer. This is your health we're talking about. Or, you could just drop other commitments that are not life and death.