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Take The Time...

1/3/2016

2 Comments

 
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Being an educator today can become overwhelming in the blink of an eye.  With all the demands that are placed upon our time it is easy to become lost in the details of what needs to be done.  Preparing for lessons requires time before and after school because a 45 to 50 minute conference period is simply not enough.  Some of the other issues that come into play and demand the time of educators are tutorials, parent communications, campus meetings, department meetings, emails, dealing with copy machines that are seemingly always possessed by some crazy monster, and many other time consuming items.

So how do you survive as an educator with all these demands on your time?  You must prioritize your time and place your focus on what matters.  
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The trick is determining what takes priority and what matters when it comes to your time. This is different for each person and you must determine your own criteria.  Here are some criteria I utilize in my role as a principal:
  • How will this benefit students?
  • How will this benefit teachers?
  • How will this benefit the school community as a whole?

I know these may seem simplistic but as a school leader these are the areas that I must place my focus.  These three areas of a school are most important to the overall success of the school.  If the time consuming item in question does not fit into one of these criteria then it does not take a high priority.  Simple as that.

How will you filter the distractions so that you can focus on what matters in 2016?

Think. Achieve, Succeed.

​Jeff

I would love to hear from you.  Please share your comments below!
2 Comments
Denise Frederick
1/4/2016 05:17:09 am

As a relatively new principal, I struggle with this more than most. I sometimes do not know which issues I need to prioritize until I have hindsight. With 730 students and no AP, there are many fires. At the end of the day, I will reflect on your 3 questions to evaluate myself. Thank you for your post.

Reply
Jeff
1/4/2016 12:42:05 pm

Hi Denise,
Thank you for your comment. Even with the most experienced administrators, prioritizing time can provide challenges. I am especially sure that is difficult in the situation that you describe of being the only principal with over 700 students. At the end of the day, just be open and transparent about what you are doing and reassure people that you will work with them as soon as you are able!

All the best to you in 2016.

Jeff

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    Jeff Mann

    A lifelong learner that is committed to asking questions to seek greater understandings.

    Currently I'm a doctoral student completing research on the role of voice in schools and I am the Director of Instruction and Leadership Development for a public school district in Texas.

    Previously I have served as a campus principal, assistant principal, athletic trainer and a teacher.

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    ~Theodore Roosevelt

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