So, tonight, #saskedchat we want your best tips and advice on keeping from drowning in the classroom. New and old teachers alike have these days, and we need to help each other get through them!
A2. Skip the minutia, think big picture, and focus in the middle. Don't plan lessons, plan units and take from there. Much better for progression and less files to update! #saskedchat
A2. Embrace the world of Google Suite if you can... saves so much time for formative assessment and feedback and is omnipresent... home or school Ss are always connected and can ask Q's about their work. #saskedchat
A1. Planning, prepping, dealing with other "administrative" duties, constant pressure of not feeling good enough, trying to keep up with that totally rad teacher on twitter, etc, etc, etc. These and more can make you feel swamped! #saskedchat
A1 Administrative procedures, prepping multiple different subjects, and managing extra-curr are often mentioned by my first year HS teachers. #saskedchat
A2: Make assignments, exams, etc short and sweet. You are looking for if they understand, not if they are the absolute master of content. (and your marking pile will thank you!) #saskedchat
Daily lesson plans can go one way or the other. Do quick general plans at most. It shouldn't be in a step by step teacher centered format anyways #saskedchat
True. Remembering that a uBD for each lesson probably isn't necessary, no matter what the highly idealistic admin who hasn't taught in 20 years says. ;-) #saskedchat
I should probably cover my assets by saying that I'm in no way of thinking of anyone in particular. This isn't sarcasm. Now it sounds like sarcasm. Great. It really isn't. I swear. #saskedchat
A3 my Outlook calendar is essential to my daily organization. Helps me organize lab bookings, scheduled presentations, library space bookings, and more. One of many tools, but an essential one for me. #saskedchat
A1: Planning & executing lessons, establishing routines, unexpected special events, extra-curricular activities, and more! As well as trying to balance life at home and life at school #saskedchat
A3: Not sure if "tech" but having folders on my USBs etc. is a lifesaver. Also, I really like month-long calendars (paper or online) to prep/plan long term #saskedchat
A3. Onenote for planning and minutia that I don't want 80 files for. Word/Drive for Unit Plans. Google Keep for keeping me organized day after day and getting my to do under control. #saskedchat
A3. In all honesty a really good day book with sticky notes and a daily use of my Outlook email calendar WITH calendar invites are the only way I survive. KISS all the way. #saskedchat
Universal backwards design lesson/unit plan. It's all the rage in universities right now. It's a great tool, for a subject you don't know that well. #saskedchat
What works works. I should also mention that I avoid using school based platforms unless directly for classes, I find that things tend to disappear or I get locked away from my hard work that way. #saskedchat
A4: Hard copy daily planner on my desk for rough plans and all sorts of random notes. Monthly agenda for all the events/due dates/etc. and paper calendars for planning #saskedchat
I find that having a online place to store essential files, and a evernote (but not evernote) style place to store quick notes or day plans are necessities #saskedchat
As Career Counsellor I often have my time re-routed to another classroom when this happens so nobody loses prep time (that is already so precious) #saskedchat
A5: Depends on the day and the time of year. I like to do lists and highlighters so that I usually how I work. I'm also a procrastinator though.... #saskedchat
A4: I have colour coordinated hand-out and hand-in folders for each grade on my cart. The students know their colour better than me some days. #saskedchat
A4. Rely on other people in the building when it comes to protocol. It is much easier to walk 20 feet and ask a question in which a meaningful answer is given, rather than to ask and hope online or in an email. #saskedchat
A5 much of my job is like a problem solving triage. People come all day with issues, and you need to determine which are essential and which can wait a few minutes. #saskedchat
Formative assessment review and then I make sure my lessons are ready to go, check stock for labs, set out materials, photocopying, evaluation #saskedchat
A5 much of my job is like a problem solving triage. People come all day with issues, and you need to determine which are essential and which can wait a few minutes. #saskedchat
That it is. I also find people enjoy it when you ask them for help, most are willing to give it freely and like sharing their expertise. The rest, just wait for their coffee to kick in and then you're good to go! #saskedchat
A5 sometimes it’s first come first serve, sometimes staff sorted over students, and sometimes due date of assignment becomes the deciding factor (due in five minutes over due tomorrow). #saskedchat
I get that! During report card week, marks issues are paramount. Sometimes things get pushed to the "Maybe never" pile, and that's not good. #saskedchat
A5: First I create a list. From there I break it down and figure out what needs to happen now, and what can wait. It sounds easy, but sometimes it can be very tricky! #saskedchat
A5. Questions in this order: "What will matter most in 10 years?" "What is me just expecting too much of myself?" "What done first will get the most stress off of my day?" #saskedchat
A5. Ss drive everything from bellwork to daily exit slips.. reflect on today.. direct tomorrow.
Feedback for what was missed yesterday in order to plan tomorrow's lessons. #saskedchat
Google Keep in my friend, I am a fellow list maker. It annoys the non-list making people. I secretly think they are jealous of my piles of sticky notes. #saskedchat
A5 Usually I have a list of things to do - but student needs trump things on the list. Also, playing in the library and with the 3D printer trumps my list. And sometimes cat stories. And chocolate in the staff room. #saskedchat
It is one of the few apps that are not actively preached by Google. I'm ashamed that I wasn't aware of it until nearly 2 years after it came out! #saskedchat
As am I! Our Secretary/Librarian seems pretty good with it too. She has taught me a bunch about book repairs and the zen of putting away books #saskedchat
A6. Seriously, give up living to the expectations of others or inflating the expectation of yourself to be just as good as those around you. Especially if you only see people those people on SM. Everyone put's their best out there, not their worst. Everyone has warts. #saskedchat
I see your point, and I agree with you. My point is, yes that lesson plan should be done better, but that student who is going through a rough time may never forget either the words you spoke, or the time you refused to spend. #saskedchat
A6: Self-induced uber high perfectionism! Aim for excellence, but be, oh here comes the new catchall, 'mindful'of what is excellent and what is the irrational pursuit of perfection. #saskedchat
But yet, who gets the most extra-curr which helps lead to teacher burnout. I think most teachers are passionate, but we need to help them be realistic in their first few years. #saskedchat
A7. Honestly, my admin comes to mind. I know that not all admin you can though. I also have a fantastic carpool companion who is always encouraging me to think in a solution based, positive. and assuming the best manner. #saskedchat
A6: Just take the time to pause when you need it most! I need to adjust the expectations that I have for myself! Accepting the fact that not everything will be perfect, and that it is okay! #saskedchat
When it comes to the teaching profession, there is a strong thread that weaves through burn out, frustration, and attrition especially within first few years #saskedchat
A7. We always have a great resource in our counsellors; be sure to touch base with colleagues.
Don't ignore your needs as it will eventually wear you down.
We are always here too at #saskedchat as an extended network of people who care.. just a PM away if needed :) #saskedchat
A8: Make them laugh and remember the bigger picture. When we are stressed we focus on the little things and we need to remember they are not as bit of a deal as we think #saskedchat
A7: I always phone my Mama. She reminds me to refocus on what is important, to make time for myself, and to remain positive no matter the situation! My teacher friends are also very lovely and comforting! #saskedchat
A7: Often it’s my colleaguesthat tell me I’m pushing too hard and I’m not looking well. I’m getting better at listening to myself #workinprogress#saskedchat
A8: I like to walk into first year teachers' classrooms just after the last bell and say, "How's it going? Need anything?" Makes them feel less isolated, I hope. #saskedchat
A8. Only own what you can control.. offer what you can't to fellow professionals who can help... chat often... find a sport you like and play hard! Love family. Be mindful and always love what you do. #saskedchat
A8 In my experience, nothing beats personal connection; for some that means conversation, for some that means copious amounts of favoured beverages, for some that means time for solitary rest. Know your people, watch the weight of their burdens, and lessen that weight #saskedchat
