Hi Teach

How are you? No, really—how are you? Maybe wondering how you’ll conquer that ever-growing to-do list? If you’re nodding along, trust me—you’re not alone. I’ve been there too and it can feel like you’re juggling a million things at once.

But here’s the thing: it doesn’t have to feel this way. Let’s take a moment to chat. I want to share a few simple tips to save you time and give you some breathing room. No judgment here—these tips are gentle reminders for me too, so let’s dive in!

1. Stop Saying Yes to Everything

I know it’s hard to say no. You’re a rockstar teacher, and your colleagues and leadership know it. That’s probably why they always come to you for one more thing. Maybe it’s the principal asking you to organize career day on top of your already jam-packed schedule. Or maybe it’s the head of your department needing you to look into something else.

But here’s the truth: You only have so many hours in the day. Some of those hours need to be for you and your family—not just work. So, before you say “yes” to another task, pause. Ask yourself: Do I really have the time and energy for this? If the answer is no, it’s okay to decline—politely and professionally.

Here’s a simple email template you can use:

Hi [Name],
Thanks for thinking of me! [Project Name] sounds like a great initiative. However, I’ve been prioritizing [current project/ongoing task], and taking on this additional responsibility would affect my progress. I really appreciate the opportunity, but if [Project Name] isn’t a priority we may need to pass on this one. Happy to chat further when you’re free.
Best regards,
[Your Name]

And if you feel the need to suggest a different time frame, try this:

Hi [Name],
I received your email about [specific project]. It looks like a wonderful idea and the kids will love it. With [event] coming up we may be stretched for time. Could we chat about scheduling [specific project] at a quieter time of the year, perhaps [insert timing].
Warm regards,
[Your Name]

See? No need to over-explain—just be honest and kind.

2. Stop Trying to Do Everything Yourself

Listen, I get it. You’re detail-oriented, and no one else will do the job exactly the way you want it done. But here’s the thing: trying to do everything on your own isn’t sustainable.

If you’ve been assigned a task—maybe you’re the subject leader, or you volunteered for a project—that’s fine. But that doesn’t mean you have to shoulder the entire load yourself. Always ask for help when you need it.

Let’s say you’re in charge of Sports Day. Instead of taking on every little detail, delegate! Ask a colleague to join your team. If staffing is tight, reach out to a teaching assistant or even someone from the admin office to lend a hand. They could help with organizing resources, sending emails, or preparing materials. Sharing the workload not only makes things more manageable, but it also gives you a chance to bounce ideas around with someone else.

Here’s the golden rule: It’s okay to ask for help. In fact, it’s necessary sometimes.

3. Stop Doing Unnecessary Paperwork and Over-Marking

Hey Teach, let’s talk about paperwork for a second. It’s no secret that unnecessary paperwork can be a huge time sink. I mean, how many of us have spent ages filling out a spreadsheet that could’ve been done with a few quick bullet points? (Guilty as charged 🙋‍♀️.) And sure, we all want things to look polished and professional, but sometimes it’s okay to keep it simple.

The same goes for marking. Don’t get me wrong—marking, when done effectively, is invaluable. Our students thrive on thoughtful feedback. But let’s be smart about how we use our time here. Do we need to write a personal comment on every single piece of work? Probably not.

For instance, in subjects like maths, try ‘live marking’ during lessons so you can give feedback right then and there. If you’ve got a teaching assistant in the room, ask for their help too. And remember, no one’s asking for essays on student work. Follow your school’s marking policy, keep it efficient, and save yourself some time.

Oh, and if you want tips on how to cut your maths marking down to 15 minutes or less, I’ve got an article for that here!

4. Stop Creating Everything from Scratch

Okay, here’s a big one: stop reinventing the wheel every time you plan a lesson or set up your classroom. I know how easy it is to fall into the trap of starting fresh because you want everything to be perfect. But guess what? You don’t have to do it all from scratch.

Think about your lesson planning. Have you taught this unit before? Great—use what you’ve got! Sure, you might want to tweak a few things to keep it fresh or better suit your students, but there’s no need to redo everything if it’s already solid. Make sure you focus on meaningful tasks that move students learning on. 

Now, when it comes to setting up your classroom, I’ve got you covered! I create ready-to-go classroom resources, classroom décor bundles, and more—designed to save you loads of time. Whether you’re looking for calm and soothing tones like my Modern Calm Colours, Pastels or Hessian Décor Bundles, or something with a nature inspired clip art like my Woodland Décor , these bundles are packed with everything you need. From door décor to birthday displays, I’ve done the hard work so you don’t have to.

And if you want to level up your maths walls, there are smaller themed bundles to match your classroom vibe. Save yourself the hassle and focus on what really matters—teaching and connecting with your students!

5. Stop - Wasting Time - Plan Your Days Purposefully

Here’s a game-changer for you: purposeful planning. I recently heard this great tip from Ali Abdaal (you might know him—he’s a productivity expert). The idea is simple: use a calendar and time block your days.

If you’re not already using a calendar, start now. Block out chunks of time for specific tasks, and stick to it. This way, you’ll know exactly where your time is going, and you’ll be less likely to waste those precious hours.

Another tip? Turn off notifications when you’re focusing. It’s amazing how much more you can get done when your phone isn’t lighting up every few minutes.

So Teach!

I hope these tips help you save time and make your life just a little bit easier. You’re doing incredible work, and you deserve to feel less stressed and more in control. Remember, you’re doing amazing work, but you don’t have to be everything to everyone. Give yourself permission to set boundaries and lean on others.

Take good care of you! 

Best, 

Kizzy xx