If you have a workload you feel is too demanding, you need to find ways to reduce it. This may involve getting rid of some unnecessary responsibilities or delegating. When your workload feels unmanageable, it has a negative effect on your own health and an impact on your students too. Here are some ways to help you manage your workload.
Share resources
Coming up with all your own lesson plans and resources can be time-consuming and stressful. Make use of the many resources available on the internet, ask colleagues for ideas and share documents within your department.
It’s important to build up a stock of resources you can use for lessons so you’re not scrabbling around at the last minute. You can always put your own creative spin on resources you get from others.
Go home on time
Many teachers think they have to stay late if they want to meet all their obligations. As a result, their family life suffers and they end up unhappy which is no good for their students. If you’re guilty of always staying late, make sure you leave at an appropriate time so that you have a proper work/life balance.
You need time to refuel and relax. If you are able to enjoy your time away from school, this will make your work feel much more manageable. If you find it difficult to de-stress when you get home, vaping, practicing some deep breathing or doing yoga can help you to relax.
Learn to say no
It’s common for teachers to agree to do whatever’s asked of them by colleagues but it can be a trap. You don’t always have to agree to be part of a committee or to do extracurricular activities.
Other teachers must understand why you can’t always help them and vice versa. It’s great to help other teachers but you shouldn’t do it at the expense of your own work.
Set your priorities
When you have a challenging workload, you need to prioritize. Setting daily, weekly and monthly objectives can help. Don’t be afraid to scrap tasks that won’t benefit your students as their needs should always come first. Focus on what’s important and don’t worry so much about what doesn’t really matter.
Find a routine that works for you
Get organized and find a routine that works for you. Make sure everything in your classroom has its own place and properly label files and folders.
The last thing you want to do is waste time trying to find what you’ve misplaced. Create and stick to a daily routine that works for you and staying organized can keep you from feeling overwhelmed.
Being a teacher is demanding and you will always experience some stress. However, keeping in mind the impact you can make on your students’ lives is one way to make it worthwhile. Try not to get bogged down with the small stuff, develop a workable routine, learn to say no and you may just find you’re much happier and your students are too.