I personally do not know how I would accomplish anything without lists!! I keep lists in journals and lists in binders to accomplish my responsibilities and goals. Lists help teachers achieve efficiency by providing a structured framework to prioritize tasks, allocate time effectively, and stay focused on instructional and administrative responsibilities. Lists serve as visual reminders of what needs to be accomplished, reducing the cognitive load of trying to remember every detail. Lists allow teachers to systematically plan and organize the day, ensuring that important tasks are addressed first and that nothing is overlooked. As a result, teachers can streamline their workflow, manage their time more efficiently, and maintain a clear sense of direction in their daily practices, ultimately enhancing their effectiveness in the classroom and beyond!
I have created a list of 14 lists that support efficiency and effectiveness in the classroom:
Daily To-Do List: A daily to-do list is a simple yet powerful tool that can enhance productivity, reduce stress, and help teachers stay organized for the day ahead. It enables teachers to make the most of time and resources while working toward goals. A daily to-do list might include a list of tasks and responsibilities to be completed the next day, ensuring a focus on immediate priorities. I keep my daily to-do list in a journal and add and remove from the list each ay.
Grading Tracker List: A grading tracker includes a list of assignments, projects, or assessments to be graded, along with due dates/deadlines. Using a grading tracker can support staying on top of grading responsibilities. I've kept grading tracker lists digitally, but they can also be printed and housed in a grading binder.
Student Accommodations and IEPs List: Creating a list of students with individualized education plans (IEPs) or specific accommodations, ensures teachers aware of and can address each students’ unique needs. This list is helpful for lesson and unit planning, as well as parent and PLC meetings. I would keep these in a "Teacher Binder" that would include other lists mentioned below.
Student Contact List: Student contact lists include students' names, contact information, and any special considerations or accommodations needed. I would put this in the Teacher Binder.
Parent Communication Log: This list is a MUST! This list is a record of communication with parents or guardians, including dates, topics discussed, and follow-up actions. This documentation is evidence that ensures students are receiving the support they need to be successful. I would put this list in the Teacher Binder.
Professional Goals List: A professional goals list includes a list of short-term and long-term professional goals. A professional goals list is focused on career development. This list can be expanded upon with professional development goals that include conferences, workshops, and courses teachers want to engage in throughout the year. I would house this list in the Teacher Binder, but also have a professional development journal to document my notes, ideas, and accomplishments.
Professional Development Reflections Log: When attending professional development events, create a log of reflections on your experiences. These reflections can include key takeaways and action items for implementation. Again, these can be housed in a Teacher Binder, but can also be in a PD journal.
Professional Growth Milestones: In addition to a goals list, teachers can consider creating a professional growth milestones list to record professional achievements, certifications, and milestones achieved throughout the year. These milestones can be in the PD journal or Teacher Binder, but should be easily accessible for evaluations.
Classroom Materials Inventory List: Consider keeping a list of classroom materials to track what you have and what you need throughout the year. This list might include classroom supplies, books, budget allocations, expenses and receipts, along with reorder information. This list will come in handy when teachers are asked what they need and/or want when funds become available! This list can also be included in a Teacher Binder or can be kept in a digital space to add to throughout the year.
Meeting Agendas and Minutes: Keep lists of meeting agendas and minutes from faculty meetings, parent-teacher conferences, and team meetings. These lists support what was discussed as well as action items you may need to attend to after the meeting. I would house these lists and notes in my Teacher Binder.
Student Progress Log: Student progress logs can be used to record individual students' academic progress, behavior, and participation, helping teachers identify areas that need attention. These lists can be used in conferences, problem-solving meetings, and for positive calls home. Student progress logs can be housed in a Teacher Binder.
Emergency Procedures List: A list of emergency procedures and contact information ensure teachers are prepared in emergency situations. If the school provides teachers with this information in a binder or folder, teachers should add the class list to account for every child in an emergency situation. Teachers may also consider including parent contact information in the binder/folder for unexpected situations.
Professional Contacts List: Professional contact lists can include colleagues, mentors, and administrators. This list is a quick reference networking and support. This list helps teacher when they need support with specific questions (i.e. technology support, supplies support, assessment support, student behavior support, etc.).
Extracurricular Activities List: An extracurricular activities list includes activities, meetings, and events that teachers are involved in or responsible for throughout the year. Keeping track of extracurriculars helps you plan ahead. I would keep this in a Teacher Binder near a document that includes the yearly calendar.
There are a million things teachers do every day! Making lists can relieve the cognitive load associated with all of the things that need to get done. To get started with making lists, begin by identifying your immediate priorities and responsibilities, both in terms of instruction and administrative tasks. Consider using a digital or physical planner or note-taking app for convenience. Or, you may prefer a beautiful journal (or journals) to keep track of lists. List your tasks for the day or week, and don't forget to include both short-term and long-term goals. Prioritize your items, putting the most urgent or important tasks at the top. As you work through your list, check off completed items for a sense of accomplishment. Regularly review and adjust your lists to stay flexible and responsive to changing needs. With practice, list-making will become a valuable habit that helps you stay organized, focused, and efficient in managing your classroom and professional responsibilities.
Comments