NAU Department of Educational Leadership Rural Schools Resource Center (NAURRC)
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How Struggling and First-Time Teachers Can Stay Organized and Succeed
By Ms. Rebecca Moore Founder of Able Rise https://ablerise.net
If you are like most teachers, then you have a lot on your plate. From cleaning your classroom to coming up with lesson plans, there is a lot to do. In order to handle it all, you need to be organized. NAU Department of Educational Leadership Rural Schools Resource Center understands just how much goes into shaping young minds, so here is some great advice for how you can organize your lesson plans, design an engaging classroom, and keep your digitized documents in order so you can run the school year with ease.
Break Down Your Goals Into More Manageable Pieces
You will have many goals as a teacher. Whether you are trying to organize your classroom or teach your class a brand new subject, you need to take it one step at a time.
To do so, break your large goal into more manageable pieces that you can tackle one at a time. Then, Weidel On Winning notes to set a reasonable deadline for each smaller goal. Accomplishing smaller tasks will make you feel more productive and eager to move on to the next milestone. Every time you reach a goal, reward yourself with a small perk, like a 15-minute break or a nice lunch with your friends. If you happen to falter on reaching a goal, don’t beat yourself up too much and do what you can to get back on track.
Digitize Your Records and Modify Your PDF Files
Over time, you will start to gather a large volume of work assignments, student reports, lesson plans, and much more, and if you keep everything in filing cabinets and in your desk, then it can be easy to lose an important document. To make things easier, scan all of your paperwork into the computer and store it all in separate organized folders.
Even digital files can get a bit out of hand over time, so if you have multiple PDF files clogging up your computer, then consider utilizing a PDF extraction tool that will allow you to select and extract the files that you need the most so you can create a new modified PDF document that is easy to save and share with teachers, parents, and students. Make sure to keep on this task, so it doesn’t get out of hand down the line.
Design an Engaging Classroom
ASCD points out that one way that you can focus on your organization is to create an engaging classroom that will keep the kids intrigued and ready to learn. Start by setting up your class to prioritize learning, which you can do by putting your kids in desks but also giving them a chance to socialize with one another and work as a team. Also, let your students know that it is okay if they fall short of their goals as long as they get up and try again.
Whenever your students do well, make sure to celebrate their successes and provide positive feedback whenever you can. Just like employees at a job, students who feel valued will enjoy the feeling, and they will share their appreciation through their efforts in class. No matter what you do, always treat the kids with respect.
Use Helpful Tech
When in doubt, turn to technology to help you along. If your classes are working on various projects and assignments, then consider an app like Trello, which will help you to keep all tasks organized and determine what steps have been completed and what comes next. It is also a good idea to upload some of your work to Google Drive so you can access and work on it at school and at home. Finally, when you get busy at work, the app FocusMe is a great tool that is designed to block out distracting websites and social media.
As you can see, there are many tactics that teachers can use to try to remain organized and productive. Remember to break up your goals, digitize your paper records, and use helpful tech, and you will make it through the school year.
NAU Department of Educational Leadership Rural Schools Resource Center is the one-stop shop for information that Arizona school leaders use on a daily basis. Reach out to us today to learn more! (520) 266-0081
How Struggling and First Time Teachers Can Stay Organized and Succeed Takeways
By Rebecca Moore
1. Break Down Your Goals Into More Manageable Pieces. Take it one step at a time.
2. Digitize Your Records and Modify Your PDF Files. Scan all paperwork into the computer and store in separate organized folders.
3. Design an Engaging Classroom. An engaging classroom will keep the students intrigued and ready to learn.
4. Use Helpful Tech. Use technology that is available. For example, if your class is working on more than one project or assignment, an app like Trell will help you stay organized. Finally, the app FocusMe is a great tool to block out distracting websites and social media.
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