Are you constantly making to-do lists? Or, are you always feeling stressed over how much you have to get accomplished? Unfortunately, these are two questions that teachers often shout "YES!" to when asked. Since the day is filled with teaching, there is so much to accomplish outside of school. Therefore, teacher organization tips will help manage those never-ending lists and reduce some stress.
Teacher Organization Tip 1: Nesting Folders
A teacher's computer usually has endless tabs and windows open. Due to this, it can be stressful to find the needed window. Unfortunately, this often results in opening another tab or window to quickly find what is needed. To help, begin nesting your folders. It is life changing! Nesting folders means you have one general folder and then all of the files you need inside of it. For example, if you teach Geometry, Algebra 1, and Statistics, you will have a folder for each course. Then, you can put a sub folders for each unit that you teach. Even better, folders can be labeled in different colors, if needed! It is so much easier than saving every file to your desktop (gasp!) or having one giant folder labeled Geometry where you dump everything.
Teacher Organization Tip 2: Implement Checklists
Checklists can be used for everything! Therefore, they can help take some of your stress away. For example, if you have several rosters printed for your classes, each can serve a different purpose. One can be for behavior issues, one for homework completion, one for meeting with the teacher to review an assignment. I love using one for homework completion, because when I am ready to input their grades, everything is already in order for my gradebook. It makes entering grades to much faster! Checklists can be completely customized for your classroom! By using them, it will be so easy to review any issues or check student progress.
Teacher Organization Tip 3: Use a Bin or Bag of Supplies
I hate hunting through my desk or tote bag for my favorite pen or a pair of scissors, so when I saw this organizer from Mollie Ollie, I knew I needed it! They graciously sent me one so that I could tell you all about it. I have loved having this caddy out on my desk. Yes, it is designed for diapers, but I have filled it with office supplies and it has been great. The velcro inside is very strong, so your items stay put within the dividers. Now I have my computer charger, and ALL my electronic gadgets stuffed inside. You can find this awesome caddy on Amazon. Of course, you can use any organizational box or bin you already have, but I've found this caddy to fit my needs perfectly!
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Teacher Organizational Tip 4: Simple Supplies
"May I go to my locker and get my book?" is a question I hear often! If you say no, then the student doesn't have the needed supplies. However, if you say yes, the student will now miss some of the class. Furthermore, the student will not see the accountability in bringing what is needed. Unfortunately, many classes have a student or two who forgets the supplies every single day. Hence, it will be helpful for teachers and students to switch to simple supplies. To do this, look over your list and see what is truly needed and utilized. When students have less to bring, they won't have as many excuses for locker visits during class.
Teacher Organizational Tip 5: Utilizing Plan Time
It is always nice to take a quick break during the day and socialize with other teachers. However, this typically happens during lunch or a plan period. During your lunch, sit back and relax. Socialize or sit in peace and quiet, even if it is five minutes! Do whatever you need to help you recharge. Then, make sure to really utilize your plan time. Make it a personal goal to always plan one week ahead. This means having all assignments and quizzes or tests ready. Whether they need to be printed or uploaded, always be ahead of the game. This will greatly make for a calmer week with less rushing around.
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There is no doubt that teachers are under so much stress. They have so much to handle in a small amount of time. Therefore, teacher organizational tips can be a game-changer. By spending some time getting organized, it can make a massive difference in how smooth the day runs. Additionally, it means taking less work and stress home.
