Time is opportunity, we must not waste it, we must use it productively. Time passes and it is lost forever. As teachers we have the duty to put it to very good use. Consider how you spend your time. You can keep a log for a week to find out how much time you spend working at school, at home, on traveling, sleeping doing chores at home and how long on yourself.

                Do you realize that our day is to fill with useful work, with activities that give meaning to our life – that help build our character. Managing our time wisely give us fulfillment, growth and once we become used to it, then there is no time to squander in empty talk, meaningless rhetorics and useless speculation.

                As a teacher, how do you manage your time? Time management for a teacher is far complicated than for office workers on other careers/ occupations. Much of the day is already scheduled. There is  a very limited way in altering a class schedule, so teachers must work very effectively with very limited time that is flexible.

                These could help you in managing time.

1. 1.Create time management goals.

Be guided by this : where does my time usually go? Identify key issues that contribute to mismanagement of time. Monitor your own energy level too.

1. 2.Say NO.

Keep in mind that if you attempt to do much, you risk of not completing tasks resulting to below standard projects or you get burned out.

1. 3.Get organized.

Organize files and all you need in your classroom. Labeling/ coor coding may be of big help.

1. 4.Improve planning and preparation.

If there are big events, projects, call meetings for pre-planning and preparation activities,

1. 5.Overcome procrastination.

Make action according to schedule. Never postpone tasks to be done.

1. 6.Prioritize tasks.

Schedules must be strictly followed.

1. 7.Use your time well by:
   1. a.Reducing interruptions
   2. b.Clearing up backlogs
   3. c.Grouping tasks together
   4. d.Maximizing instructional time
   5. e.Having more effective meetings
   6. f.Delegating tasks
   7. g.Preparing for school affairs
   8. h.Managing major projects

Remember, time management is self management. Identify what areas give you must troubles in terms of managing your time. Which of these is most difficult to do.

-Task demands

– other people’s demand

– self demands

By: Christine Joy Q. Cabral | Teacher I | Limay Elementary School | Limay, Bataan