Set a limit!

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Home : 2003 : September : 12

Set a limit!
By Kathy

I'm still one of the last teachers to leave the school, but I did learn early on that you are never really "finished." There's always something more you could do. So you have to know when enough is enough (for you!) It
helps to set a time limit for yourself. I will be out of here by _____ (whatever time works for you) I have tried not to get too discouraged by others that leave early. I have to teach in a way that I can leave feeling satisfied.
I think it also helps to prioritize your tasks. On days I know I have an appointment, I work much faster than on those when I have a couple hours.

I think an after school checklist is a great idea. Some days I'm so tired after school I find myself just spinning my wheels--I'm there, but not really accomplishing much! Sometimes a quick walk after school can make you twice as efficient.

I've found little ways to cut out on the time spent in teaching preparation. One is to organize units so things will be ready to use from year to year. Having the student do everything they can is an excellent idea. (They love it!) I try never to do anything myself that a student or parent could do.

Another paperwork saver is to do more group work so that you have less to grade. Also, I "spot-check" most daily assignments and try to send them home that day. Tests I try to get back the next day. (I hate it when papers pile up--and it's no benefit to anyone to get papers back days later!) When I am really desperate, I have actually thrown practice papers out. (Incidentlly, in 20+ years, I have never had a child ask where a paper was that I didn't send home.)

I find that when I'm not organized, I spend a lot of extra time looking for things--I think the more organized you can be, the more efficiently you can work. (And how much sense does it make for me to emphasize how important it is for the students to keep tidy desks when I can't even find the top of mine???)

Keep working--teaching will never be an easy job, but there are ways to spend less after hours.