Whether you are an elementary, middle, or high school teacher, finding time to complete all of the responsibilities of an effective teacher can be overwhelming. As accountability increases, and the amount of data collected and analyzed about students and teaching practices increases with it, teachers' amount of free time dwindles proportionally. However, if you set your sights on working smarter, and not harder, then you will find that there are techniques that can save you hours each week.
The Touch it Once Theory
Teachers often find administrative notices regarding specific students in their mailboxes each time that they check. Typically, the papers are collected and remain in the teacher's grade book until time is allotted for such administrative tasks. By bringing your record book to the mailbox with you, and taking a moment to complete the form and return it to its originator, you become more efficient and eliminate the need to set aside a block of time for such duties.
To Grade it All or Not to Grade it All?
Throughout the course of a marking period, teachers will undoubtedly check and collect many assignments. While it may seem as though it is necessary to grade each and every assignment that a student creates in order to validate its existence, this is not so.
Much of the learning that students experience occurs in the process of completing the assignment. Particularly with homework assignments, it is important to ensure that the assignment is valid, and that it requires your discerning eye or not.
While you may feel that it is necessary to grade all full length assignments, there is a way to expedite this process as well without lessening the educational experience for your students. Focus on one aspect of the assignment and grade that aspect. Perhaps you have focused heavily on introductions in recent lesson. When collecting an essay, grade only the introduction.
Students may be notified in advance of your intent, but this is not necessary. You may wish to explain that you will be grading only one aspect of their responses, but refrain from announcing which aspect that will be. This will ensure that students put forth their best effort, but will free you to focus only on one aspect of their work.
Plan Meetings Strategically
Because the time of a teacher is precious, it is important that you try to save minutes and seconds alike. If you find that you must meet with more than one person during a preparation period, let each of the people with whom you plan to meet know that you have multiple meetings. This information may dissuade them from needless chit-chat that will derail you.
Choose one period during the day during which you will run all of your errands. This will limit the time that you spend walking around the building. You will be able to drop off and pick up mail in one shot, and you will find yourself conferencing with colleagues in a more efficient manner as well.
Keep Accurate and Detailed Records of Parent Contacts
Throughout the year you will find that you have made numerous contacts with the parents of your students. Keeping accurate and detailed records of these contacts in one place will help you to locate your records should the need arise to produce your records later in the school year.
Develop Professional Relationships with Colleagues
Effective teachers know that their colleagues have a great wealth of knowledge when it comes to obtaining teaching strategies. Sharing lessons, strategies, and tricks is a proven method for improving instruction while making the most of every minute.
If your school does not yet have a professional learning community, start one of your own. Studies show that teachers who share best practices are more effective and efficient educators.
The goal is to work smarter, not harder. Teachers are among the hardest working professionals out there. Reflective practice on the efficiency of your work will allow you to improve instruction and improve your efficiency.
Alice Bowman - I am a Freelance writer, English educator and supervisor in a junior/senior high school with students from grades seven through twelve. ...
