by Alma Pettenger, SPS Professional Learning Specialist
Teaching is one of the most rewarding professions, but at the same time it is one of the most demanding. If we do not find balance, we run the risk of burning out. Establishing and adhering to some work management guidelines can help us as we wrap up the semester and head into spring.
Do not reinvent the
wheel. See what
already exists and tweak it to fit your goals. When people ask me about where I
get my ideas, many times I honestly don’t remember. But, what I do know is that more than likely,
I didn’t create it from scratch.
Create a file management
system that works for you. How can you find those amazing lessons or
activities for next semester or next year?
For some it will be an electronic file, for others it will be a 3-ring
binder or filing cabinet. Choose an
organization method that works for you.
Collaborate.
We might think we just don’t have time to get together with other
teachers to bounce ideas off each other, but it is time well spent! It is front
loading today that will save us time tomorrow.
By collaborating, teachers can divide and conquer those upcoming
projects, units, or lessons.
Keep yourself healthy. According to a 2012 study by
Careerbuilder.com., teaching is one of the careers among those most likely to
report gaining weight, and the holidays certainly don’t help! Allow time to
exercise and eat right.
Start a Smile File.
Create a file folder of “pick-me-uppers.” These are meaningful gestures students,
parents, administrators, and colleagues give you that demonstrate
appreciation. They may be pictures, cards,
notes, etc.
Learn the power of no. Often, we are
guilty of biting off more than we can chew because we want to be helpful and be
perceived as team players. Kindly
decline when you know you are over-extending yourself. This allows you to focus on what you have
already committed to and still have time for you.
Don't sweat the small
stuff. No matter how prepared you are, things
sometimes don't go as planned. Learn from it and move on.
Steer clear of negative
attitudes. Our job is challenging enough; don't allow
the negative attitude of others to bog you down. A negative attitude is like a
virus that can spread quickly.
Budget your time. Time is like cash. We have to make plans for how to spend it, or
it vanishes into thin air and we have nothing to show for it! Minimize
interruptions and plan ahead for what you will accomplish and when. How you manage your time can make the
difference between taking work home and going home work-free.
Keep your focus. Perhaps this is the most important tip I can
give you. Remember why you became a
teacher in the first place. Maintaining
that sense of purpose is highly motivating and it helps us realize that our
work is worthwhile.
