The Energy to Teach

Sources of Energy for Teachers

Much of what gives us energy is being in control of our time and activities, so the tips for gaining energy also overlap with time management tips.

Use your time well. Follow the time tips because being organized and working from a to do list will help you be more productive.

You will have more energy because you will feel in control and will be systematically working on accomplishing priority tasks. Being scattered and unorganized will drain you of energy.

Have systems in place. This is a strategy that most successful business use. It allows you to respond to events, both routine and unplanned, that happen throughout the day. Nothing will drain you faster than having to continually make decisions about routine events. Have procedures that are written down, step by step, and keep them in a handy place. This way, even if you are out for a day, the information is already written up for a substitute teacher.

Having systems in place is also a very effective classroom management strategy. When students know the classroom procedures and what to expect, they are more confident and relaxed and are able to focus their energy on learning. There will be fewer behavior challenges for you to deal with, leaving you with more energy.
Some examples would be basic systems for homework/assignment collection, attendance and notes, bathroom procedures, handing out supplies, classroom jobs, and welcoming a new student. Taking the time to actually teach these systems to your students will go a long way toward a calm, productive, learning environment.

We know in a school there are often many events that happen that are unplanned that require your attention but having a system in place for those also will help lessen the drain those will have on you. If you need to attend to a situation, make sure there is a procedure students know to follow while you are dealing with an issue.

Develop a teaming relationship with a colleague. Schools vary in their teaching structures and how teachers work together. Some schools have a system where each teacher works in their classroom with a particular grade level.

Other schools have a teaming structure in place where you teach your own class but are part of a team of one or more other teachers.

Regardless of the structure where you teach you will gain energy by developing a relationship with at least one other teacher with whom you can share ideas and responsibilities. This tip, along with having a teacher mentor, is also on the Career Tips page. It is so important to our success as teachers, and for maintaining energy that I have included it here also.

I have been fortunate enough to have had great teaming experiences with colleagues. We are able to help each other out with ideas and tasks. There is a wonderful synergy that comes with planning together. We are able to get feedback from each other on how to handle issues that arise with parents, students, colleagues and the community.

We really rely on one another for support when needed. Best of all you have someone to have lunch with, share stories, and laugh with, to recharge for the afternoon.

Read the personal energy tip page to find out how to take your own energy audit to see what gives you energy and what takes energy away.

Having one of those days where you just need some reminders of why you teach? Visit your teaching treasure chest.

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