Working Moms Blog

Time management for the new teacher can seem unattainable, but there are ways to make the most of your time, while also allowing for a few moments for mental health. The first year will always be the most difficult as you are trying to get your roots in place, along with schedules, routines, expectations, all while learning new content, students, and parents! It probably seems like a bad nightmare! My first year teaching, I would sob in my classroom several days a week after everyone else had gone home. I can understand why some don’t have the will to continue after the first year! Hopefully, some of the following tips will get you on your feet and back in the game!

Always make a list! On a legal pad of paper, write each day of the week at the top of a different sheet. Then, tear out another blank sheet, and begin by walking through your classroom and writing down anything and everything that comes to mind. Are there questions you need to ask someone else? Are there bulletin boards to put up? Do you need to start a filing system for your lesson plans? Do you need to find a new place to store all your supplies? Write it down, write it down, write it down. The more that is out of your head and on your paper is less that you need to concern yourself with at this time.

After completing your list (keep it handy because you will remember plenty more to add), begin by starting at the top of your list and assigning each activity to a day of the week, making sure no one day of the week has more work than another. Also, double check that you have not created too much work throughout the week. Always write down what HAS to be completed first (prioritize), then add smaller, less important items. Big items to consider first are those that directly impact students’ learning (lesson plans) and also what your administrator deems important (varies). Move the least important items to later in the week, or into the next week. Keep pushing these items back as other urgent tasks arise.

Once you now have an organized, more manageable chunks to complete each day, you are ready to begin without feeling overwhelmed. By breaking the many tasks into smaller chores, the desire to run out the door and never come back diminishes, even if ever so slightly! Stay on top of your to-do list, trying to accomplish it each day, and you will feel a sense of accomplishment as you cross each item off your list. Just think: next year, save the tears for someone else!
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