In 2014 I was in the middle of my 6th year of teaching. I was good at my job. I had even received recognition of Teacher of the Year twice! Secretly though, I was getting burnt out. I was working everyday until 7pm at night! I was unorganized and I lacked systems to help me get things done efficiently. I began to question how much longer I could spend my life doing this.
Before teaching, I had managed two retail stores. I decided to use the knowledge of management and systems I had learned in these roles and apply it to my classroom. I spent the next few years organizing my space, getting rid of unnecessary items, and creating structure and routines for myself. Why didn’t they teach me these things in college!?
I am now in the middle of my 12th year of teaching. My classroom is clean, beautiful and organized. I know how I will spend my planning time each day, and I use it wisely. I leave work on time, and I refuse to use my personal time for work. I am happier, my family is happier, and my students are happier.