When I started teaching, my own children pulled me aside and asked why I spent so much time at school yet so little at home. Ouch!! Like many of you, I became a teacher not only to help the next generation of learners but also to be able to spend time with my own family. So, I had to quickly find ways to save time in the classroom while still being effective (and happy) at both school and home.
I hope you find these 10 Time Saving Tips for Teachers helpful and easy!
Teacher Time Saving Tip 1
Assign Student Numbers
For most of my career, I taught upper elementary, and giving students numbers saved my life! Students were required to put their names and numbers on every assignment they turned in. I would have a parent, student, or volunteer put the papers in order by student number. That way, I could see who had not turned in their assignment.
Teacher Time Saving Tip 2
Have Printed Class Lists on Hand
I always have a list of students’ names and numbers close at hand. I can quickly grab them and check off names for any reason. Who is leaving for orchestra practice? Get the list. Who has turned in their test? Get the list. Who is on the bus? Get the list.
Another Quick Hack:
When collecting papers, I call out numbers 1, 2, 3, etc. Students come forward and give me their assignments. That way, I don’t have to organize the papers later.
Teacher Time Saving Tip 3
Don’t Grade Everything
I know that sounds terrible, especially for new teachers. However, not every assignment needs to be graded. With your teacher’s eye, you will start to catch the more significant mistakes that need to be corrected and let go of the small, unimportant things.
A great option is to use self-grading assignments. Color by Codes, Google Forms, and Self-Correcting mazes and worksheets are great options.
Quick Checks, White Boards, and Exit Tickets are perfect when you don’t want to do a worksheet.
Quick Hack:
At the beginning of the school year, I scan and return any assignments that need to be corrected due to neatness issues, not having a name or number, or not following directions.
By mid-year, I scan for errors that help me decide whether we should go forward with a standard or do we need a reteach.
As a result, I save a lot of time by the end of the year because I better understand my students and their work habits.
Teacher Time Saving Tip 4
Use Mini-Lesson to Get More Content In
Mini-Lessons are the perfect way to sneak in a skill or concept while teaching another lesson.
Are you reading a novel with your students? Teach grammar, figurative language, or vocabulary along with it. Are you teaching the Metric System? Go ahead and expand into a Powers of Ten math lesson. Are you watching a science video? Teach your student how to take notes.
Another Quick Hack
Find independent mini-lessons for your students to work on when they have free time or are working in centers. Many mini-lessons have slide shows or PowerPoints that students can watch and complete using an independent work packet.
Teacher Time Saving Tip 5
Put your Independent, Weekly, or Daily Lessons on Autopilot.
In the upper grades, assignments such as bell work, spelling, or spiral review can be copied, stapled, and sorted weeks ahead of time. Ask your grade level team to work together to use the same assignments and take turns organizing them.
Teacher Time Saving Tip 6
Set up for the Next Day Before You Leave
I know there are days when you just want to shut your door and leave, but if you can put the correct date on the board, update the daily work schedule, and look over the lessons you plan to teach before you leave. It will make the next day or week so much easier!
Teacher Time Saving Tip 7
Set Aside a Block of Time for Emails
Checking emails during class just leads to stress and anxiety! Take it from me, I know! I finally told all of my parents that I was a “bell to bell” teacher, and I do not check emails during the school day. If Lonnie forgot his lunch, the parents could take it to the office. If Bowie is going on vacation, they can follow the school policy on getting schoolwork. During the school day, I am focused on my students.
I often spend the first 20 minutes following up and reading emails after my students leave in the afternoon. The goal is to read the email, answer the email, and delete the email all in one sitting. And, please, do not read or answer emails at home. I know it’s tempting, but boundaries (and your sanity!) are so important.
Teacher Time Saving Tip 8
Emergency Sub Binder
We all think that life will run smoothly and we won’t get sick or have an emergency, but things happen, and the best way to burn out your grade level team is to ask them to cover for you. Have a binder with seating charts, class list names, schedule, and most importantly fun, generic assignments that a sub can handle. This teacher time saver alone will save everyone’s work friendships!
Teacher Time Saving Tip 9
Delegate, Delegate, Delegate
Your students can participate in class jobs, clean up after themselves (an important life skill), organize papers, make anchor charts, and even take things down from the bulletin board. (No ladders, please). Students can arrange the class library and the bins containing pencils, crayons, and markers. Parents can correct spelling and math tests at home or sharpen pencils for you.
Teacher Time Saving Tip 10
Say “No.”
Sometimes you just have to say no. No, I will not run that committee. No, I cannot attend an IEP at 6:00 in the evening. No, I cannot take my teammate’s class for a few days. Of course, sometimes you need to be a team player, but pick and choose how and when you can help.
I hope you find these time saving tips for teachers helpful. If you have any other time saving tips for teachers to share, drop them in the comments.
