The 40-Hour Teacher Week Myth (and 7 Tools to Help You Reclaim Your Time)

black and white photo of clocks — Photo by Andrey Grushnikov on Pexels.com

If you’re a teacher, you know the truth: 40 hours is a fantasy.

Between planning, grading, answering emails, attending parent meetings, professional development sessions, hallway duty, IEPs, MTSS meetings, and trying to catch a breath for a moment, teaching is a job that routinely demands 50 to 60 hours per week, and sometimes even more. It’s not that we’re bad at time management. It’s that we’re swimming against a system that wasn’t designed for sustainability.

But here’s the good news: while you may not be able to control the system, you can change how you manage your time within it.

In this post, we’re going to:

Debunk the 40-hour teacher week
Explore how to design your time like a limited resource
Share seven time-saving tools that can help you win back your evenings and weekends
Provide practical, teacher-tested time hacks you can implement right away

Let’s dig in.

Why the 40-Hour Teacher Week Is a Myth

The idea of a 40-hour workweek originated from industrial labor models—you clock in, you do your job, and you clock out. But teaching isn’t just a job. It’s a calling, a performance, a planning-intensive, people-heavy, paperwork-dense act of organized chaos.

Here’s how time gets spent:

Instruction: 30+ hours/week
Lesson planning & prep: 5–10 hours/week
Grading and feedback: 5–8 hours/week
Emails and communication: 3+ hours/week
Meetings (PLC, IEP, PD, admin): 2–5 hours/week

And that’s before you factor in classroom setup, tech troubleshooting, data analysis, sub plans, hallway coverage, behavior documentation, and the emotional labor of being “on” all day.

SaleBestseller No. 1

Four Thousand Weeks

Burkeman, Oliver (Author)
English (Publication Language)
304 Pages – 06/27/2023 (Publication Date) – Picador Paper (Publisher)

SaleBestseller No. 2

The 80/20 Principle: The Secret to Achieving More with Less

A great option for a Book Lover
Easy To Read
Ideal for Gifting
Koch, Richard (Author)
English (Publication Language)

Bestseller No. 3

TIME MANAGEMENT FOR ADULTS WITH ADHD: FROM OVERWHELM TO ORDER: HOW TO TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR TIME AND THRIVE WITH ADHD

WALKER, NOELLE (Author)
English (Publication Language)
157 Pages – 12/22/2024 (Publication Date) – Digital Sail Publishing (Publisher)

Teaching is a job that will expand to consume every available minute if you let it.

That’s why reclaiming your time starts with a mindset shift.

Time Budgeting vs. Task Management

Traditional time management says, “Make a list and get it all done.”

But that assumes time is infinite and predictable. It’s not.

Instead, use a time budgeting mindset: you start with a finite amount of time and allocate it intentionally.

Try this:

Budget 30 minutes to plan tomorrow’s lesson. When the timer goes off, stop. Done is better than perfect.
Give yourself 45 minutes to grade a set of quizzes. Use a single-point rubric or comment bank to expedite the process.
Block off 1 hour for parent communication. Use templated responses, voice memos, or batch them in your planning period.

You wouldn’t overspend your money without consequence. Don’t overspend your time.

The 80% Rule: Done Is Better Than Perfect

Aim for 80%.

We waste enormous energy trying to make things perfect—the perfect slide deck, the perfect anchor chart, the perfect assignment. And while excellence matters, so does survivability.

Let go of perfection and embrace “effective enough.”

7 Time-Saving Tools Every Teacher Should Try

These aren’t miracle apps, but they are real tools that save real time.

As always, some of these links are affiliate links, and if you end up purchasing, I get a small fee.

1. Planbook.com – Streamlined Lesson Planning

Planbook is simple, flexible, and lets you align lessons to standards, shift days easily, and copy units from year to year. One hour of setup can save you dozens later.

Pro tip: Create reusable weekly templates for each prep.

2. Grammarly Premium – Faster Writing, Clearer Feedback

Stop second-guessing your grammar and tone in emails or report card comments. Grammarly speeds up communication while maintaining professionalism.

Use it for: parent emails, student feedback, lesson materials.

3. Mote – Voice Notes in Google Docs

Instead of typing out detailed feedback, record a voice note and embed it in student work. Mote works seamlessly in Google Classroom.

Why it works: it’s faster and more human.

4. Notion or ClickUp – Your Teacher Command Center

Whether you’re tracking coaching cycles, unit pacing, student data, or PD goals, these tools help you visualize and centralize your work.

Tip: Build a dashboard that integrates your calendar, to-do list, and major goals.

5. Text Blaze – Instant Text Snippets

Turn common feedback into keyboard shortcuts. For example: type “/mtss1” and paste a pre-written MTSS note. Huge time saver for documentation and repetitive tasks.

6. Rocketbook – Smart Paper for Analog Teachers

Love to write things by hand, but need to digitize them fast? Use this reusable notebook to scan and upload to Google Drive, Notion, or email.

Perfect for: lesson brainstorming, meeting notes, coaching logs.

Rocketbook Core Reusable Spiral Notebook, Letter Size 8.5x11, Navy Blue - Dotted Pages, App-Connected, Erasable, Durable Cover, Ideal for School, Work, and Creative Projects

Rocketbook Core Reusable Spiral Notebook, Letter Size 8.5×11, Navy Blue – Dotted Pages, App-Connected, Erasable, Durable Cover, Ideal for School, Work, and Creative Projects

Create, Digitize, Erase, Re-Create: Capture ideas with the included Pilot Frixion Pen, digitize effortlessly using the Rocketbook app, store in your preferred cloud service. When done, simply wipe the pages clean with a damp cloth and start fresh.
App-Enabled for Digital Organization: The Rocketbook app allows you to scan and upload your visual work directly to cloud platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox, OneNote, etc. The app-connection ensures your creativity is accessible from anywhere.
High-Quality & Durable Materials: Crafted from reusable, premium dotted paper, the Rocketbook Core features a spiral binding and waterproof cover. The grid layout offers flexibility for everything from bullet journaling to geometric sketches.
Portable and Versatile Sizes: Available in two sizes—Letter (8.5 x 11 inches) and Executive (6 x 8.8 inches)—the Rocketbook Core is compact enough to fit into backpacks, purses, or briefcases. This notebook offers portability and versatility.
Eco-Friendly Reusability: Designed with sustainability in mind, Rocketbook notebooks help reduce paper waste with a reusable alternative. Enjoy a paper-like notebook that can be used repeatedly, allowing you to save work and erase everything else.

7. Google Keep – Digital Sticky Notes That Stick

Use it to capture quick ideas, batch feedback, or create checklists. Label and color code for visibility. Bonus: integrates well with Gmail and Calendar.

5 Time-Saving Habits to Build This Month

Tools help. But systems sustain. Here are habits to pair with your tools:

1. Theme Your Days

Monday: Lesson planning
Tuesday: Grading
Wednesday: Family communication
Thursday: Data and meetings
Friday: Catch up + self-care

2. Use Comment Banks and Rubrics

Create a Google Doc with your most-used feedback phrases. Pair with single-point rubrics in Google Classroom.

3. Batch Like a Boss

Group similar tasks (e.g., grade all assignments from 2nd period, then all from 3rd) to reduce cognitive switching.

4. Automate What You Can

Schedule recurring parent newsletters. Use auto-responders during peak grading periods. Build email templates.

5. Reflect Weekly

Take 15 minutes each Friday to reflect:

What worked?
What drained me?
What can I tweak for next week?

Final Thoughts: Time Is a Teacher’s Most Precious Resource

You are not a robot. You are not lazy. You are not doing it wrong.

You are working inside a system that asks too much and gives too little.

But with the right tools and some intentional design, you can reclaim your time.

You deserve to leave school without guilt. You deserve a weekend. You deserve a full life.

It begins by treating your time as sacred.

The Eclectic Educator is a free resource for everyone passionate about education and creativity. If you enjoy the content and want to support the newsletter, consider becoming a paid subscriber. Your support helps keep the insights and inspiration coming!

Winter breaks…

If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?
-Percy Bysshe Shelley

There are only a few days left before Winter Break for most schools here in the US, and the holiday feelings are already very strong. I’m wrapping up a couple of projects (and another semester of doctoral work) before settling in for a long winter’s nap.

At least, I hope I’m able to get a few naps in 😉

Anyway, here are 10 things I think you might enjoy…

10 Things Worth Sharing

A new study discusses whether or not reading print materials is more beneficial for comprehension than reading digital materials.
Here’s a list of self-care habits for kids that we should all probably use at home and at work
As crappy as this sounds, many teachers would rather come to work sick than prepare sub plans. They’re a drag, for sure. However, we can make the job a little easier. Try using AI to create sub plans in 15 minutes.
From the Department of Cool Maps – here’s the world map that introduced scientific mapmaking to the medieval Islamic world around 1154 AD (with a decent measure of the earth’s circumference because they already knew in 1154 that the earth was round…)
As we continue to discuss AI usage in schools, here are some reflections shared by teachers actively involved in AI experiments in the classroom.
Guiding students through inquiry-based learning
Something I need to work on is saying “no” to things. Like you, I’m a pretty busy person. Every time I say “yes” to something, I must say “no” to something else. Sometimes what I say no to is far more important and dear to me than the yes. Ryan Holiday gives us a reminder from Harry Truman to say NO.
I’ve always felt there was a certain danger to keep mementos of any past glories around you. I always think about the men in “Friday Night Lights” who just can’t seem to move beyond that state football championship they won all those years before and haven’t really accomplished much since. Those relics might be mocking you (the term is the “Ozymandias problem”). Maybe it’s time we consider moving on, letting the past crumble, and toss out some of those old trophies.
Gem Prep Learning Societies, a rural Idaho microschooling experiment, offers an alternative to traditional schools and homeschooling. Students learn online and in small, in-person groups for six hours daily, guided by educators. The program combines traditional schooling with online learning. Gem Prep Online’s curriculum is used for both modalities, and students progress with earned autonomy. The program’s first year provided valuable lessons for future expansion.
For those of you who celebrate Christmas and need a playlist for your parties, look no further than Matthew Perpetua’s “At the Holiday Party”

That’s all, folks. Thanks again for hanging out with me on another Friday. I hope you continue to find value in this weekly newsletter.

Falling Into Fall Break

I shared this note with my team on our last day before Fall Break. I hope you find encouragement here, as well.

“Every person needs to take one day away. A day in which one consciously separates the past from the future. Jobs, family, employers, and friends can exist one day without any one of us, and if our egos permit us to confess, they could exist eternally in our absence. Each person deserves a day away in which no problems are confronted, no solutions searched for. Each of us needs to withdraw from the cares which will not withdraw from us.”
Maya Angelou, Wouldn’t Take Nothing for My Journey Now

boy walking on wooden pathway beside plants during day — Photo by Harrison Haines on Pexels.com

Fall Break

You may have already figured this out, but Fall Break is my favorite break of the year. We’ve navigated the busyness of beginning a new school year and made some progress toward our goals. For me, this break comes at the perfect time. The weather cools, mornings begin on the back porch with a cup of coffee, and evenings end with a backyard fire. It’s not so much a break as it is a pause—the deep breath before diving into winter. I need this break. You need this break. We all need a moment away.

Blaise Pascal wrote, “All of humanity’s problems stem from our inability to sit quietly in a room alone.” Most adults lead very busy lives. Teachers, arguably more so. Rarely do we have a moment during our day to call our own, even if it means we just have the chance to catch our breath.

During the break, I encourage you to find time to call your own. Amidst all the plans we make for fun and family, find some time to hide away from it all. Forget, for a few moments, the demands of the classroom, of testing, of dealing with parents, and the demands of your administration and coaches.

You need rest. Spirit, soul, and body all need a break from time to time to face this madness we call life.

The great Stoic philosopher Seneca said, “The mind must be given relaxation; it will rise improved and sharper after a good break.” Stephen Covey reminds us of the 7th habit of Highly Effective People to “sharpen your saw.” Make sure to take care of yourself. We all did this pretty well during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, but I fear we may have lost some of these lessons in our return to the world of deadlines and demands.

Please take time for yourself over the break. You won’t regret it.

10 Things Teachers Shouldn’t Do Over the Summer Break

Summer break is a time when the school hallways empty and the classrooms quiet down. As a teacher, you’ve probably been eagerly anticipating this time, haven’t you? But remember, this period is not just about taking a breather; it’s also about preparing for the upcoming year in an effective, balanced way. It’s crucial to use this time wisely and avoid some common pitfalls.

Mistake 1: Overplanning for the Next Year

One of the most common mistakes that teachers make is overplanning for the next academic year. While it’s crucial to prepare for the upcoming school year, it’s also important to take breaks and enjoy your summer vacation. Engrossing yourself in textbooks and lesson plans throughout the summer may lead to burnout even before the school year begins. So, how about striking a balance between planning and relaxation? You could use your summer break to explore new hobbies or take a trip to recharge your batteries. Additionally, you could use the time to reflect on your teaching methods and make any necessary improvements. All in all, remember that a well-rested teacher is a better teacher, so don’t forget to take care of yourself!

Sale

Do Nothing: How to Break Away from Overworking, Overdoing, and Underliving

Headlee, Celeste (Author)
English (Publication Language)
288 Pages – 06/01/2021 (Publication Date) – Harmony (Publisher)

Mistake 2: Bringing Work Home

Another common mistake is bringing work home, which can lead to a lack of work-life balance. Sure, there might be some work to do during summer break, but don’t get carried away with it! It’s important to find a balance and not let work take over your whole break. When you bring work home, make sure to have a designated area for it and set a schedule for yourself. This way, you can keep a healthy balance between your work and personal life, and your home can remain a relaxing space for you to recharge.

Overwhelmed: Work, Love, and Play When No One Has the Time

Amazon Kindle Edition
Schulte, Brigid (Author)
English (Publication Language)
369 Pages – 03/11/2014 (Publication Date) – Sarah Crichton Books (Publisher)

Mistake 3: Ignoring Self-Care

One important mistake to avoid during the summer is neglecting self-care. Teachers give a lot of themselves, so it’s super important to take care of yourself! Don’t forget to prioritize your own well-being. While this can take many forms, there are a few ideas to consider. For example, starting a fitness routine can be a great way to take care of your physical health and relieve stress. Additionally, practicing mindfulness through meditation can help you stay centered and focused. Finally, picking up a new book that isn’t related to work can be a wonderful way to recharge your mind and prevent burnout.

Daily Positivity Journal For Happiness, Wellness, Mindfulness & Self Care – Inspirational Journals To Write In, Writing Prompt Journal & Guided Journal Gifts For Men & Women – Hardcover Diary Notebook

✅ THE BEST JOURNAL EVER: This inspirational journal offers much more than typical blank notebooks!
✅ HABIT TRACKER & DAILY QUOTES: For a productivity journal, motivational journal & goal journal!
✅ SELF CARE: A spiritual journal, mindfulness journal, mental health journal & personal journal!
✅ HARDCOVER NOTEBOOK: The black hardback cover is sleek, can lay flat & has a nice pocket!
✅ THE PERFECT GIFT: Includes a premium white gift box making it perfect for gifting!

Mistake 4: Not Setting Personal Goals

Setting personal goals over the summer is a great way to make the most of your time. Not only do goals give you direction and a sense of accomplishment when achieved, they can also help you grow as a person. In fact, there are countless goals you can set for yourself this summer, depending on your interests and aspirations.

For instance, why not consider learning a new language or instrument? Not only can this be a fun and engaging way to spend your time, but it can also enhance your cognitive abilities and open up new avenues of communication. Alternatively, you could set a goal to hike a particular trail or visit a new city. Both of these activities can be great ways to explore the world around you and broaden your horizons.

Of course, setting goals isn’t always easy. It can be difficult to know where to start or how to stay motivated over the long term. However, by breaking your goals down into smaller, more manageable steps, and by tracking your progress along the way, you can make it easier to stay on track and achieve success. So why not take some time to set some personal goals for yourself this summer? You never know where they might take you!

Sale

Discipline is Destiny

Hardcover Book
Ryan Holiday (Author)
English (Publication Language)
304 Pages – 09/06/2022 (Publication Date) – Profile Books (Publisher)

Mistake 5: Not Taking Time for Professional Development

One mistake to avoid is not investing enough time in professional development. While it may seem like a daunting task, dedicating time to enhancing your skills and keeping up with the latest teaching methods is crucial for success in the field of education. There are many ways to do this – for example, you could consider taking a short course or attending a workshop to learn new techniques. Another option is to engage with educational podcasts or blogs to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices. Additionally, you could consider joining a professional organization or networking group to connect with other educators and learn from their experiences. By investing time in your own professional development, you’ll be better equipped to meet the challenges of the ever-changing world of education and provide your students with the best possible learning experience.

Sale

Don’t Just Survive, Thrive: A Teacher’s Guide to Fostering Resilience, Preventing Burnout, and Nurturing Your Love for Teaching (Books for Teachers)

Herrboldt, SaraJane (Author)
English (Publication Language)
216 Pages – 07/25/2023 (Publication Date) – Ulysses Press (Publisher)

Mistake 6: Neglecting Family and Friends

It is important to keep in mind that relationships with family and friends are a key component of our lives, and should not be neglected during the summer months. While it can be tempting to immerse oneself in various activities, it is essential to make time for loved ones and nurture these connections. One way to do this is to plan a family vacation, which can be a great opportunity to create lasting memories and strengthen bonds. Alternatively, visiting friends or even just enjoying a meal together can be a rewarding experience. By taking the time to bond with those closest to us, we can enrich our lives and create meaningful relationships that last a lifetime.

Mistake 7: Not Exploring New Hobbies

Failing to explore new hobbies can be a missed opportunity for personal growth and relaxation. It’s important to remember that trying something new doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Instead, it can be a chance to broaden your horizons and discover new passions. For example, if you’re interested in gardening, you might want to start by learning about different plants and their specific needs. Or, if you’re drawn to painting, you could start by experimenting with different mediums and techniques until you find the style that suits you best. Similarly, if writing sparks your interest, you could start with short stories or poems, and gradually work your way up to longer pieces. Whatever hobby you choose, the key is to approach it with an open mind and a willingness to learn. By doing so, you may find that exploring a new hobby is not only refreshing and fulfilling, but can also lead to new friendships, new experiences, and a deeper sense of self-discovery.

Sale

Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative (Austin Kleon)

By artist and writer Austin Kleon
A collection of positive messages and exercises to realize your artistic side
A New York Times Best-seller
10 Things nobody told you about being creative!
ERROR:#N/A

Mistake 8: Avoiding Travel

Avoiding travel is another common mistake. While it is important to take precautions during the pandemic, we should not let fear stop us from experiencing new places and cultures. Traveling broadens our horizons and rejuvenates our minds, allowing us to gain a new perspective on the world around us. Even a short road trip to a nearby city or a hike in a local nature reserve can do wonders for our mental health and overall well-being. Not to mention, supporting local businesses and tourism is more important now than ever before. By taking the necessary safety measures, such as wearing masks and practicing social distancing, we can still enjoy the benefits of travel while keeping ourselves and others safe.

Mistake 9: Skipping Reflection

Failing to take the time to reflect on the past academic year is not only a missed opportunity but also a disservice. Reflection is an essential tool that helps us identify areas of improvement and growth. There are many ways to reflect, such as keeping a journal, meditating, or simply pondering while taking a walk in the park. It is by reflecting on our victories and challenges that we are able to gain a better understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Through reflection, we are able to see how far we have come, what we need to do to continue growing, and what we need to avoid. Therefore, it is crucial that we make time for reflection and not let the hustle and bustle of daily life take over. So, take a moment to reflect, and you may be surprised at what you discover.

Sale

The Art of Talking to Yourself: Self-Awareness Meets the Inner Conversation

Audible Audiobook
Vironika Tugaleva (Author) – Vironika Tugaleva (Narrator)
English (Publication Language)
07/31/2018 (Publication Date) – Soulux Press (Publisher)

Mistake 10: Failing to Recharge

One of the most common mistakes that teachers make is failing to recharge. Being a teacher is tough, both mentally and physically. Don’t forget that during summer break! In order to maintain a high level of productivity and enthusiasm, it is essential to take the time to recharge your batteries. There are plenty of ways to recharge over summer break! You can watch your favorite movies, spend time in nature, or catch up on your sleep. Just make sure you take the time to do things that relax you and fill you with energy, so you’re ready to tackle the new academic year ahead. By taking the time to do things that relax you and fill you with energy, you will be able to approach your work with renewed focus and vigor.

Sale

Rest

Pang, Alex Soojung-Kim (Author)
English (Publication Language)
336 Pages – 06/12/2018 (Publication Date) – Basic Books (Publisher)

Conclusion

In conclusion, the summer break is a valuable period that should be utilized wisely. Avoid these common mistakes and ensure a healthy, productive, and rejuvenating break. Remember, you owe it to yourself and your students to come back recharged and ready for the new academic year.

Rethinking & Reviewing

Happy Tuesday, folks. More appropriately (I guess), Happy Fat Tuesday.

Full disclaimer: I’m not Catholic, and Mardi Gras has no personal meaning for me. But many of you may join in the festivities and Lenten practices for the next 40 days. If you do, awesome. If you don’t, you’re welcome to hang with the rest of us heretics.

It’s been a couple of weeks since I sent out a newsletter on Tuesday. Life happens, deadlines loom, and if you’re me, there’s the ever-present anxiety beast that hangs back in the shadows, ready to rear its ugly head when you least expect it.

So, it’s been a minute. But we press on through whatever life throws our way and embrace what comes. In these times, I remember the words of Epictetus,

The chief task in life is simply this: to identify and separate matters so that I can say clearly to myself which are externals not under my control, and which have to do with the choices I actually control. Where then do I look for good and evil? Not to uncontrollable externals, but within myself to the choices that are my own…” — Epictetus, Discourses, 2.5.4–5

Subscribed

You and I can only control what we can control. Trying to exercise influence over anything else is fruitless and will only cause us distress. For me, that means managing my schedule a little better and giving myself grace for getting all the things that I have to get done. That’s not easy for me, and it likely isn’t easy for you, o fearless type A perfectionist overachiever that you are.

Not that I have any experience speaking about such things…

So, today’s newsletter is a little different. I’m just going to call it “Rethinking & Reviewing” because you’re about to go on a journey through Mike’s stream of consciousness, and we’ll both find out the destination when we get there.

Here we go…

What I’m Thinking

The first year of my year-long teacher fellowship is coming to a close. We’ve met over the course of this school year to chat and help each other redesign lesson plans for deeper learning opportunities using the 4 Shifts protocol as a reference. To say the program has gone well would be a tremendous understatement. The feedback I’m receiving from the fellows is great and full of deep reflection. Most are well on their way to completing their lessons with students, and I’ll share more soon. For me, this first year will inform my work with other teachers and future cohorts but will likely also lead to part of the work for my dissertation in the coming years.

Speaking of deeper learning, I listened to episode 2 of the “Redesigning for Deeper Learning” podcast and was challenged by one particular thought: what does “student choice” really mean? Depending on the context of the lesson, giving the students options to choose from may or may not truly be “student choice.” With several lessons from my fellows fresh in my mind, I’m rolling this around in my head quite a bit this morning.

What I’m Reading

One of my goals this year for reading is to finish up all the published Cosmere works from Brandon Sanderson. I’ve gotten through most of Arcanum Unbounded, which features several previously published short stories and novellas based in the connected Cosmere. I also finished Warbreaker in January, and it might have become one of my favorite Sanderson novels. My current pick of the bunch from Arcanum is “Shadows for Silence in the Forests of Hell,” a short story originally published in a collection, Dangerous Women, edited by George R.R. Martin. It’s a different tale from the standard Sanderson fare, leaning a bit more toward the horror genre. It was a fantastic read.

I’m also re-reading How to Write a Lot because I need a swift kick in the pants to get my writing practice back in order. There’s no better motivation to do that than when you hear the words “your dissertation starts NOW” during a Saturday morning class. Yikes.

On the academic reading side of the world, I’ve been using Speechify for a ridiculous amount of time to process articles. For my attention-span deficient brain – no formal diagnosis, just my own experiences – having the audio version of a text playing while I am reading is a brilliant focus tool. I read faster, retain more, and am able to focus far better than when I try to read text only. This is especially true for reading journal articles, papers, and so on. Speechify gives me an audio version of just about any text on my laptop or in my web browser. I now consider it an invaluable part of my productivity toolkit, right alongside Notion and Readwise.

What I’m Watching

In my random voyage of self-care, I ran across several seasons of the 90s revival of “The Outer Limits” on YouTube. If you’re not familiar with the show, it’s an anthology series of separate sci-fi stories and features some surprising guest star appearances from some popular stars of the day (heck, even Leonard Nimoy shows up). In some episodes, they do make an attempt to connect some of the stories, which makes for interesting situations. Overall, a great way to spend 45 minutes.

Oh, and Picard Season 3 just started, so there’s that, too 😉

What’s in My Ears

Two recent episodes of The Daily from the NY Times caught my interest, mostly because they deal with the recent explosion of AI tools. “The Online Search Wars” and “The Online Search Wars Got Scary Fast” are well worth the listen.

Also, I continue to update my 2023 playlist of songs I discover, or remember, throughout the year. I’ve compiled playlists like this for 2022, 2021, and 2020.

Wrapping Up

Well, I think I’ve rambled enough. Thanks again for reading and coming along for the ride. Have a great week!

Thanks for reading. This newsletter is a completely reader-supported publication. The best way to support it is to check out my recommendations or become a paid subscriber.

Advice for Brand New Teachers: You Don’t Have to Impress People

Reflecting on my first year in the classroom, I was utterly obsessed with impressing everyone. Maybe it was because I came to teaching as a second career. Maybe it was due to my involvement at conferences and summits, even as a brand-new teacher.

Whatever my reasons for wanting to show everyone how good I was, those reasons led me down a path of exhaustion and stress that did nothing for my health and certainly didn’t help me when I wasn’t at school.

So, to help out any new teachers, I thought I’d pass on some advice I wish I’d known when I started teaching. Hopefully, you can avoid the stress, anxiety, and exhaustion I experienced and live a balanced life while still being a fantastic teacher.

You don’t need to be perfect — no one is

Perfectionism is a curse. The voice in your head tells you that you’re not good enough and that you need to try harder and do more. It’s the constant striving for an unattainable goal. And it’s exhausting.

I should know. I’m a perfectionist. I’ve always been a high achiever and always strived to be the best. And it’s taken its toll. I’ve spent hours obsessing over minor details that no one else would even notice. I’ve put immense pressure on myself to succeed, and as a result, I’ve often felt like a failure.

As a teacher, I work with perfectionists all the time — students who are afraid to make mistakes and who are afraid to take risks. And working with them has made me realize that perfectionism is a Learned Behavior — something we can unlearn.

Your students don’t need you to be perfect. They don’t need for your fantastic lesson to always happen exactly the way you envisioned. In fact, you likely already know that the perfect lesson rarely happens. If you’re like me and teach the same topic several times daily, you change something during every class period.

And sometimes, things still don’t work.

Your students need to see that you’re not afraid to fail or to try something new. They need to see you participate in the productive struggle. You don’t have to be perfect.

We can choose to let go of the need to be perfect, and in doing so, we can live happier, healthier lives.

So if you’re a perfectionist, take heart. You’re not alone. And there’s hope for us yet.

It’s okay to ask for help

Asking for help is often seen as a sign of weakness, but it takes a lot of strength to admit that you need assistance. We all need help from time to time, whether we’re struggling with a personal issue or trying to figure out how to use a new piece of technology. Asking for help is nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, it’s often the smartest thing you can do.

When it comes to asking for help in the classroom, teachers shouldn’t hesitate to reach out to their colleagues. A fresh set of eyes can make all the difference when it comes to spotting problems with a lesson plan or finding new ways to engage students.

And when it comes to assessment, colleagues can provide valuable insights that can help improve the quality of your work. So don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. It’s okay to admit that you’re not perfect — we all are.

Take time for yourself

As teachers, we often put the needs of our students above our own. We teach because we want to make a difference in the lives of others, and that means sometimes sacrificing our own time and energy.

However, it’s important to remember that we can’t pour from an empty cup. To be the best teachers we can be, we must take care of ourselves first. That means taking time for rest, relaxation, and self-care. It might mean saying no to after-school activities or planning days off with family.

Seneca said this about guarding your time:

“No person would give up even an inch of their estate, and the slightest dispute with a neighbor can mean hell to pay; yet we easily let others encroach on our lives — worse, we often pave the way for those who will take it over. No person hands out their money to passers-by, but to how many do each of us hand out our lives! We’re tight-fisted with property and money, yet think too little of wasting time, the one thing about which we should all be the toughest misers.”

The only person who will prioritize your time is you. Don’t let someone else make their time more important than yours.

Whatever form it takes, self-care is essential to being a successful teacher.

So next time you feel run down, remember to take a little time for yourself. Your students will thank you for it!

Don’t compare yourself to others

If you’re like most people, you probably compare yourself to others regularly. Whether you’re comparing your work to a colleague’s or your teaching methods to a master teacher’s, it’s easy to feel like you’re falling short.

There is always someone further along in their career than you, but don’t worry — you’re not supposed to compare yourself to them! That’s because, as anyone with imposter syndrome will tell you, everyone feels like a fraud sometimes.

The only way to become a better teacher is to gain experience and keep learning. So instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on your journey and trust that you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.

Build relationships with your colleagues and students

There’s no denying that relationships are essential. Whether you’re trying to build relationships with your colleagues or students, it’s essential to put in the effort to create connections. After all, relationships are the foundation of any successful teaching experience. Establishing relationships with your students creates a supportive learning environment where everyone can thrive.

Don’t be the teacher who doesn’t smile until Christmas. Get to know your students. Laugh with them (not at them!), talk with them, and learn what they love about the world. It may help you connect with that student who never speaks to anyone.

And by developing relationships with your colleagues, you create a collaborative team that can work together to improve student outcomes. So if you’re looking to build relationships, remember that creating strong bonds takes time and effort. But the effort is well worth it when you see the positive impact that relationships can have on teaching and learning.

Be yourself

An old saying goes, “When in doubt, be yourself.” And while that may not be the most sage advice for every situation, it’s definitely something to keep in mind regarding your career.

After all, being authentic and genuine to yourself is one of the best ways to be successful.

Consider the classroom. As a teacher, you have the unique opportunity to connect with your students personally and help them learn in a relevant way. But to do that, you need to be genuine.

Your students will be able to sense if you’re being fake or if you’re going through the motions. Trust me; they have a BS detector that can spot a fake teacher from a hundred miles away. They’ll know if you’re doing something that is not authentic to who you are.

Don’t be that teacher who tries to do things in class so you can look cool to your students. (As a matter of fact, don’t use the word cool. I’m pretty sure it’s not cool anymore…)

But if you’re authentic, they’ll be more likely to engage with the material and learn from you.

Of course, there are times when it’s essential to put on a professional persona. But in general, it’s best to just be yourself. It might not always be easy, but it’s always worth it.

So there you have it: some advice on not being a perfect teacher and trying to impress everyone from a (spoiler alert) far-from-perfect teacher. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help, take time for yourself, don’t compare yourself to others, build relationships with your colleagues and students, and most importantly — be yourself!

As always, thanks for reading. This blog is a reader-supported publication. The best way to support it is to shop for some of my favorite stuff (I get a cut) or hire me to speak or consult with your organization.

Pike Mall Tech: 4 May 2022

geometric display — Photo by George Diama on Unsplash

Today’s Links

Star Wars Day 2022: Ideas for your classroom
Proctoring Software is Awful, and We Should Stop Using It
Random Links