Making it through the rest of the middle school year is the goal of every teacher of grades five through eight. Whether one is just starting out or a seasoned teacher, suggestions and tips can always make the year better.
Much of what can make or break a great year of teaching at the middle school level is keeping energy levels up and not becoming overwhelmed. To do this, teachers need to not procrastinate and stay organized.
Do Not Procrastinate
Thomas Jefferson said it best, "Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today." It is so tempting to let assignments sit in a basket or tray for a couple of days. However, using spare moments in the day to enter grades can definitely save a teacher from a weekend of grading.
In addition, putting off any paperwork until the weekend can ruin one. Writing lesson plans, typing quizzes, and making worksheets need to be on a schedule during the week. Once teachers have a rhythm to their lesson plans, they can plan to type quizzes two days before a quiz is planned to be given. Finding that rhythm may take a few weeks to a month; however, once a teacher realizes the rhythm, it is important to keep it going. Putting off work just leaves it to pile up for a weekend chore.
Use Every Minute of the Day
When students are working quietly at their seats, a teacher can enter grades, grade a quiz or write lesson plans. Teachers have planning periods for two reasons: grading and paperwork.
In addition, the short time between class periods, the time before school starts or the time right after school are great moments to use to do paperwork. Instead of chatting in the hall, teachers can be taking care of paperwork. However, teachers also need to keep good relationships with their co-workers, so they need to find a balance between completing individual work and collaborating.
Keep Papers Organized
It is very important to make an overall plan for items in the room. It is so easy to allow paper to pile up in a classroom. Have specific areas in the room for the following paper items:
- copied papers yet to be used in a lesson
- copied papers that have been used and need to be kept out for students who were absent
- papers that need to be graded
- papers that are graded
- papers that are graded and the student was absent when they were passed out
In the end, to have a great year means that teachers not only teach their students but that they are not stressed out or overwhelmed. To do this, it helps to be organized, to use time efficiently and not to procrastinate.
Resources:
Top Five Ways to Stay Organized
Kellie Hayden - She is a 19 year veteran teacher with a master's degree in education and NBCT, 2000. Kellie teaches 8th grade language arts, TAG and ...
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