8 Best Time Management Tips for Teachers

Teachers have a lot to accomplish within the day. This post lists eight-time management tips to boost efficiency in and out of the classroom. It focuses on prioritizing tasks, flexibility, the importance of a visible schedule, preparation of extra activities, tips for assigning homework and marking papers. It also stresses the significance of free time and seeking assistance from other people. It concludes with a few general tips on how to reach your full potential as an educator.

Being a teacher means there's always a lesson plan or two to prepare at home, a seemingly endless pile of papers grade, and an ever-growing weekly to-do list. Unfortunately, teachers have the same 24 hours as everybody else to get on top of things. Many educators struggle to manage their time effectively and complete their teaching goals. If you feel you are one of them, read on. The following tips will help you maximize efficiency inside and outside of class.

1. Prioritize tasks.

Not all tasks are as important or time-sensitive. Prepare the day before by writing down the most important tasks you want to complete the following day. This habit will allow you to tackle the most important the morning and not a time that day. For more complicated and ongoing work, prioritize on a weekly or monthly basis so that you have enough time to complete it at your leisure.

2. Be flexible.

No matter how good your lesson planning is, sometimes things won't go your way. Unexpected hurdles are part of school life, and you may have to cut am activity short. Be ready to readjust your plan and, if necessary, reevaluate your lesson's goals. Moreover, you don't have to limit your lesson plan to a single class period. Spreading your lesson over several class periods will give you the chance to focus on the finer points of your subject matter, and your students will have enough time to absorb information, practice, and ask questions. Find a teaching pace that works for you, and don't let the classroom bell intimidate you.

3. Make your schedule visible.

Create a realistic schedule for your classroom activities and make sure you allow ample time for the more complex tasks. Put it up in class so that students can refer to it throughout the day, know what to expect, and prepare accordingly. Making your teaching goals known may also save time from students asking the same questions over and over again.

4. Always have a few extra fun activities at the ready.

Prepare short, interesting activities so that students who finish their work early have something to do while they are waiting for the next part of the lesson to begin. These short tasks can also come in handy at transition times, such as before or after lunch or in between lessons. Planning for every eventuality is crucial if you want your classroom to run smoothly.

5. Be smart about homework.

Homework assignments should reinforce and build upon skills and concepts you have already taught in class. Avoid giving anything too complex or time-consuming; otherwise, you'll end up spending too much time explaining everything in class the next day. Assign repetitive tasks for homework. These will enhance the student's understanding, increase their confidence, and free up time in class.

6. Think differently about marking.

Correcting and marking tests, essays, or other types of assignments is very time-consuming work for teachers. Nevertheless, it's up to you to spread out the work you assign or the quizzes and tests you give, so you don't have to mark everything all at once. You should also try not to leave everything till the last minute, but spread the load evenly during the week. What's more, you don't have to always correct and mark everything. When grading essays, for instance, you can focus on specific writing skills each time and correct them accordingly. Let your students know in advance how you plan to mark their work.

7. Watch out for time-wasters.

Take an honest look at how you spend your time outside of school. Which activities leave you feeling stressed out instead of helping you relax? Things like online browsing, constantly checking your email or social media updates can sometimes take up huge blocks of your time without you even realizing it. Instead, try to focus on activities that help you unwind and that you really enjoy. Avoid multitasking when you try to relax, for example, avoid the temptation to check your phone while watching your favorite movie or series.

8. Ask for help.

Remember: "No teacher is an island". Don't hesitate to ask colleagues for time management advice as well as lesson strategies to those who teach the same subjects as you. You can maximize your time by collaborating on creating instructional materials rather than producing them individually. Seasoned teachers also have been trying many proven strategies to be effective. Ask for their advice, their experiences may still be applicable to you and might even surprise you when you practice it.