I have learned through the years that I work better before and after school.  You are right when you say that many teachers use their planning time to do errands.  But, that is also part of planning time.  Sometimes it is the only time you can run these school errands when other teachers are there.

We had many teachers who come to school before 6:00 in the morning.  I don't get there until 6:30 or 7:00.  I like working when the building is fairly empty.  I also like to stay late at the copy machine because that is usually the only time it is available.  We are supposed to get another one next year for the work room.  I will believe it when I see it.

It makes the day longer but then I feel justified when I have to leave right after the buses to get to a doctor appointment in time.  It is a 45 minute drive for me.  I do plan some during my planning time.  We had a team meeting every week but usually one or other of the teachers didn't bother to show up.  It got frustrating.  Then, once when I forgot the meeting and was called to the office, boy did I hear about that.  Oh, well. I am human.

My goal this year will be to do a better job on student documentation.  I usually only do it when I am having a problem with a student.  I think every child should have a documentation sheet for the parents to see.

Our planning time is the children's specials time.  If the specials teacher is absent, we lose our planning time because they usually don't hire subs for specials teachers.  We just have to deal with it.

We have also had to split classes when subs werent' available.  We are not paid for that.  Junior high and high school are paid extra if they give up their planning time for subbing.  It doesn't really seem fair.  Again, Oh, well.

Early the school is quiet.  Late it is empty because everyone else leaves on time.  That is the best time to work.