As a teacher, there is always a myriad of tasks that need to be completed, and it can be challenging to keep up with everything. Whether making lesson plans, grading, or gathering materials, it seems there’s always something that needs to be done. This is why many educators are looking for ways to improve their work-life balance while becoming remaining productive. Here are a few suggestions for educators who are looking to improve their productivity.
Stick to Your Plan!
It’s easy to get carried away by the endless tasks that need to be completed, which can lead to a lack of planning and productivity. Having a schedule can help keep you focused on the important things in life, and it can help to reduce the amount of time that you spend on work. There are a variety of tools that can help you manage your time, such as time-tracking and time-blocking programs. If you’re someone that enjoys crossing things off, then try making a prioritized list. Whatever you do, ensure that you stick to your plan. Avoid adding unnecessary tasks until you’ve completed what you initially planned for.
Streamline Whatever You Can
In addition to reducing the number of tasks that need to be completed, there are many ways to help keep the repetitive tasks in the classroom more manageable. For instance, if you have a budget, you can invest in stamps to help you make more effective comments on students’ work. You can also create templates for assignments and emails that are frequently re-used.
Stagger the Work
While assigning enough work to help students learn the material is imperative, it’s also important to consider your schedule and availability when it comes to preparing assignments. If you have to schedule work that needs to be graded consistently throughout the week, you might not be able to spend as much time on other essential tasks. Staggering work can benefit your students, especially if they have a heavy workload in other classes.
Borrow!
The internet offers various resources that you can use to plan lessons and units. There are plenty of websites that allow you to purchase materials and ideas from other teachers. Besides these, you should also remember that you have colleagues and co-workers who can help you with the planning process! Don’t be afraid to ask other teachers what’s working for them. Borrow ideas!