1. All teachers, but especially new ones, can struggle with time
management. Teachers have difficulty determining how long a
particular lesson will take, and how and when to find time
outside of the school day to plan lesson and tend to
paperwork, as well as have some semblance of a life outside
the confine of their classroom.

2. “There’s not enough hours in the day”
Find what works best for you. It may entail arriving early or staying late. Find a time where
you can work uninterrupted ALONE. For example, you may have to work on the weekends,
before an event such as a game, concert, meeting, etc. Be sure to use uour time wisely.
Don’t bring papers to the faculty room to grade. Stay in your room and close the door.
Always remember how
to eat an
elephant…….one bite
at a time.!

3. We hear far too many misconceptions that teachers have it made. We work 7 hours a
day, weekends and summers off, and vacations throughout the year. It’s a cake job
Television only adds to the misconception by glorifying the profession.
 Understand that teaching is one of the most demanding of all professions, but also one
of the most rewarding.
 Realize teaching is hard work. It can
be tough at times and even the most
veteran teachers will stumble and fall.
 Teachers entering the profession need
to grasp the concept of what’s
required of them.
The reward outweighs the demands!

4. Don’t procrastinate. Stay on top of things. The school
year keeps going even if you choose to stop. Lessons
need planned, papers need graded, paperwork needs
to be tended to. Don’t put it off, chip away at it.
Better to be on top of your workload than to have your workload on
top of you.

5. “If you’re failing to plan, you’re planning to fail!”
-Harry Wong
 Students will know when you’re “winging” it. They’ll see it and will respond to the
lack of structure accordingly.
 Poorly planned lessons result in behavior problems, off task students, and general
confusion.
 In order for the kids to learn a new skill, the lesson needs to well thought out and
well taught.
 Planning takes time, but when done properly, most of your work is done. Then you
can have fun and enjoy teaching the lesson.
 Mentors can play a big role in the planning needs of new teachers. They possess
the skill and guidance in planning new lessons.
Remember: Coaches go into games with
structured game plans, surgeons go into
surgery with structured plans and attorneys
go to court with detailed plans to defend
their clients.
We should expect the same of educators!

6. Have an organized room. A room that is laid out for you to work efficiently.
Know where everything is and where it goes
 Where do students turn in homework
 Lost & found
 Supplies (pencils, paper, calculators, rulers, etc.)
 Assignment sheets
 Location for binders
 Absence area
Stay on top of photocopy requests, IEP’s, plan books, communication with parents
Kids will mimic organization!

7. Without question it is the hardest part of the job
(CYA means “See ya”)
 Parent portal
 Phone log
 Email folder for parent contacts
 Web page
 Portfolios of student work, behavior issues, along with comments
 Keep track in your own plan book as well. Records that will assist you in future years.
Record things like, school closings (weather), ½ days, assemblies, etc.
Keep track of what worked and didn’t work within your own units. Do it in
the moment, be reflective then because you won’t remember how it went
when you’re looking at it the following year.

8.  Know your grade level and the vocabulary that’s associated with it. Don’t use big words
that’ll confuse kids and don’t use simpler terms that will patronize higher end kids.
If you know where you’re going, you’re much more likely to get
there.
 Provide a “real world” link – it avoids the “why do we have to know this?” comment

9. Provide thorough substitute plans. Write them
thoroughly and effectively. Assume that the person
coming in for you knows nothing about how to teach
the topic being covered.
Create an emergency folder. It should include…
 “Busy Work” Lesson
 Seating Chart
 Emergency Procedures (lock down, fire drill, hold in place,
etc.)
Any qualified and competent teacher “hates” being out of their classroom.
Unfortunately, we’re not super human. We get sick, our children get ill,
we’re called out on in-service training, or we just need a day off to tend to
non-school related matters. Life does get in the way of teaching!
If you know you’re going to be out, don’t be afraid to let the kids
know you’ll be out, and more importantly…..YOU’LL BE BACK!