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Your Well-being

Managing your time

New York Teacher

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It’s the beginning of a new school year and a perfect opportunity to organize your time for maximum effectiveness. Time is your greatest resource and, as a school professional, it is essential for achieving your goals.

Here are some tips on how to make the best use of your time this year.

  1. Set SMART goals.
    • Specific: Be precise and clear.
    • Meaningful: Ensure that your goals set a foundation for students’ yearlong learning.
    • Achievable: Make targeted short-term and long-term goals.
    • Relevant: Pick goals that reflect the needs of your students and your own values.
    • Time-based: Use your smartphone to set dates to revisit your goals.
  2. Distinguish between personal and work time. While work preparation is important, a balance between work and personal time is essential for self-care. Making time for activities you enjoy will help deter burnout.
  3. Spend mornings doing your most important tasks. Create a list to keep yourself on task with your goals for the day.
  4. Cut back on time wasters. Time spent on things such as social media or television will leave less time for more active endeavors, such as seeing a friend or exercising.
  5. Take breaks. Even if school days are packed, make sure you take time for lunch and try to practice mindful moments throughout the day.
  6. Build a support system. Let friends and colleagues help you get organized when needed.
  7. Be flexible. You may be pulled in new directions. That’s OK. Give priority to what is important and remember that tomorrow brings a new opportunity to address your goals.
  8. Declutter and organize your space. Work and home environments influence what you can do with the resources you have. Ensure that both are conducive to achieving your goals.

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