Teachers often have a very busy schedule. Privacy is very limited during the day. Teachers are in front of a class, or in meeting, there is very little “alone time” during the day; this often makes it hard to relieve stress. Teacher “burn out” is a complex issue; some media reports state that up to 50% of new teachers may leave the profession after the first five years.
In some schools, particularly those where the school has not met the standards set for “AYP” or adequate yearly progress for the mandates set by No Child Left Behind, there is a huge amount of paperwork
to teachers to compile on an ongoing basis. Often when one huge task is just done, like handing in the grades for report cards, some huge paperwork assignment appears with a very quick deadline.
Teachers who may be older and not very knowledgeable about using computers often struggle to get tasks done in a timely manner. A simple task like submitting end of the marking period grades may take up quit a bit of time if one is not adept at using computer programs.
Helpful Websites
There are many websites to help teachers handle their very busy schedules. Google the phrase “time management for teacher or check out the sites:
www.EducationOasis.com
www.Teach-nology.com.
http://blogs.Scholastic.com/6_8/files/time-2.doc
Maintain a Routine
Set up routines at the start of the school year to help you stay organized. For example, pick one day to stay after school to get papers graded and get organized. Pick another two days to leave school on time and go directly to the gym or out for a walk. Exercise is crucial for teachers: it helps them sleep well at night and helps to maintain a positive attitude. Another idea is to select a certain prep period each week to write notes home to parents or make phone calls to parents. Add some structure to the teaching week and you will get more done and feel calmer.
Make Friends at School
It is important to build friendships within the school. Make friends in all departments not just the one you teach in. Friends add a bit of laughter and bonding to your day and help you maintain a positive perspective.
Get to School Early if Possible
Start your day calmly by arriving well before the students are in the building. Use the time to get organized for the day, do paperwork, or whatever needs to be done. It is a lovely feeling to be in the room alone prior to the start to the school day tweaking the details of the day’s lessons and taking a few moments to brainstorm fun ideas for the day.
Avoid Negativity in the Staff Room
If you enter the staff room and coworkers are gossiping or talking about stressful or negative school issues perhaps it is best to step out of the room. Negativity is very “catching.” Don’t get caught up in it. Avoid all the chit chat if it is annoying and just go to the Library to do some work or step outside to get some fresh air.
Meditation
Find time during the day to take some quiet time for meditation. Quiet your mind and meditate. Mediation is believed to have very positive long-term impact on health.
Visualization