I'm not naturally excited about practical aspects of teaching.  Yet, I believe that little things can often make a difference.  True, they may be a Band-Aid solution, but when we think about bandages, they are really effective.  Such a small thing can help prevent infection and protect a wound from reopening and, if you're a child, it can feel like wearing a cool sticker. 

So, here are my time-saving ideas (many of them include technology)

  • Documenting discipline on the computer - I keep a brief log with the name, date, time and incident description.  Since I type faster than I write, it works really well. 
  • Use of projects instead of assignments - I now spend more time actually looking at student work and less time inputting grades in the computer.  I have a basic rubric that I keep on the computer and modify according to the project. 
  • Mail - We get so much crap in our mailbox.  So, I instantly file what's important and throw out the rest.  I actually throw it away while I'm in the staff lounge.  Or, if there is a staff member who annoys me, I can put it in his or her mailbox!
  • Lesson Plans - I never do the same lesson twice, but it certainly helps to type up my lesson plans so that I can change them the next year
  • Enlist student help - I have students pass out papers, create bulletin boards, edit videos, keep track of supplies, etc.
  • Google Calendar - I have found that keeping everything on one online calendar now allows me to get work done without constantly looking at my to do list
  • Positive Notes - I have a bilingual positive note, where I can simply check-mark boxes and then write a comment on the bottom.  It saves time, because I write less and I spend less time on discipline by using this preventative measure
  • Multitasking during staff meetings - I shouldn't admit to this, but I often do necessary paperwork during Staff Development meetings.  It is the best way I can stay positive during something so boring. 
  • Open Door and Closed Door - I have times when I deliberately close my door and tell myself, "I have to get work done" and then other times in my schedule set aside to chat with colleagues
  • Once a week copying - I do all my photocopying on Friday afternoon, because it is the time when no one is in the copy area
  • E-mail - I read it, delete most and set others in file folders.  I check it quickly twice a day, spending a total of maybe ten minutes (tops).  To me, e-mail can be one of the biggest time-wasters
  • Answering machine - with all the passwords, it takes too long to check my voicemail.  So, I bought a phone for fifteen bucks.  It has caller ID and an answering machine built in. 

Okay, so now I'm thinking that I might be wasting time by listing practical advice that might be so common-sensical that is a waste of everybody's time. 

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