11 Things Teachers Should Say No To Smart Classroom Management
Stress is crushing teachers, but there are things you can do to alleviate it. In fact, with a comprehensive approach, you can all but eliminate it.
It’s a topic I’m hard at work developing here at SCM. (More details to follow.)
But one of the quickest and easiest things you can do to put a substantial dent in the amount of stress you’re feeling is to say “no” more often.
What follows are 11 things you can start saying no to today.
1. Gossip
It can feel like an escape, but gossiping about students or colleagues is distracting, time-consuming, and risks exposing yourself to excessive drama.
2. Academic Favors
It’s good to share, but it’s not okay for colleagues to take advantage of your kindness by leeching off your hard work and planning.
3. Students
Your students are expected to listen and actively participate in your lessons. Push for more of this and less of you helping each one individually.
4. Your Administrator
If you really want to host astronomy night or organize the reading fair, then do it. Otherwise, it’s a hard pass.
5. Committees
You may be obligated to serve on a committee. Fine. But to volunteer for more can spread you too thin, causing anxiety and affecting your teaching.
6. Parents
Draw the line at your professionalism. In other words, avoid any hint of friendship or special favors. Subsequently, they’ll largely leave you alone to do your job.
7. Interruptions in Planning
You need to get your work done. So close your door. Anyone who knocks, don’t answer. Anyone who enters, be brief and escort them out. They’ll get the message.
8. Conversations
People like to stop and talk. Be choosy. Otherwise, smile, say hello (“How about those Chiefs!”), and keep moving.
9. Extensive Planning
Teach to your objective. Cut the fat. Stay on message. Lean on your subject knowledge. Better, sharper lessons take less time to plan.
10. Happy Hour
Yes, it can be fun. But if you’re stressed, you need quiet time. You need alone time or calm family time. Plus, in the end, alcohol will make you feel worse.
11. Inconsistency
Misbehavior is the biggest cause of stress. Have rules. Teach rules. Enforce rules. Don’t apologize for it.
Make a List
Choose what you can say no to, or what you feel comfortable saying no to, and do it. Starting today.
It’s not selfish.
It’s selfless because only when you’re at your best can you be a benefit to others.
It may take some discipline. It may take an awkward moment or two. But it’s a small price to pay for a peaceful state of mind.
Furthermore, you’ll discover that when you put boundaries on your time and attention, and focus more on what matters most, people will respect you for it.
They’ll honor your time and hold you in a higher regard. So make your own ‘no’ list right now, this moment, and start crossing it off.
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