The Scheduling Nightmare

Got a crazy schedule? You’re NOT alone! I can count on one hand the years I have had a class schedule that was the same each day of the week.

If your crazy schedule is getting you down, don’t despair. It’s really possible to have a calm, well-run classroom when your schedule is constantly changing.

Decide on Your Non-Negotiables

A couple of years ago I was working with a teacher who was stressed out about her crazy schedule. In an effort to start each subject at the same time each day, she had managed to cut her subject blocks into multiple pieces two days a week. By the time her students got in the groove for Language Arts on those days, they had to pick up and go to to specials. Then, they came back and finished up. It was hard for her to get solid time to teach small groups and difficult to get students back into the flow. Talk about stressed out! Once we made a solid Language Arts block non-negotiable, life got a lot calmer.

Here’s the system we used t...

My summer has begun! That's why I'm sitting here making a plan and setting goals for back-to-school prep and planning.

I can just hear you... "Planning for Back-to-School? Lisa, wait. We're just heading into June! Goals for back-to-school? I just got done with this year! What are you talking about? I'm going to soak up some rays and chill. I got it covered. No plan needed. Right?"

You Deserve a Break

YES! I'm all for a break - 100%. Actually, I insist that the teachers I work with commit to taking a long break over the summer. But at some point, prep for back-to-school has to begin. Start your summer with a quick plan for Back-to-School, so you can relax. Knowing where you are going to begin at the end of the summer will help make you less stressed and be super productive later.

You'll be the together teacher come fall if you do a plan now for what needs to get done at the end of your summer. Plus, you'll be able to relax, put school out of your mind for most of the summer knowing ...