A teacher wears many hats... and some just don't fit

Shellie Home Bradbury
Aug 5, 2022
4 min read

If you're like me and need to tick off what you need to do to prepare for your classroom organisation, then you may be feeling a little overwhelmed, regardless of how many years you've been teaching.

The myriad of tasks, resources, meetings, documents and 'evidence' required can seem an unachieveable task, especially at the beginning of the school term. Even more so for beginning teachers.

A new year, new term, or taking on a new class at any time has it's challenges. Being organised is the journey of teaching and is vitally important. Some say 'a teacher wears many hats' and while this is true, it can be overwhelming to ensure you've ticked all the boxes. Some of these hats fit quite well, while others just don't feel right.

Anxiety sets in when you need to show your leader your program. You stress over whether they will judge you for something you've forgotten. Will my leaders appreciate my effort. Should my teacher planner, room decor and resources need to be attractive to the eyes of all?

Let me se if I can give you a brief summary of what I think it is, we teachers need to always consider: room design, behaviour management, class data, rosters, relief or substitute teacher information and curriculum plans. These are just the core of our jobs. There's obviously more, but this is a good start.

Click for a Classroom Organisation Checklist

And let's not forget to mention: a teachers bag, stationery supplies, not provided by the school, our 'style' and classroom theme, clothing and footwear, a cute lunch bag... so much to think about.

With the rate of teacher retention dropping to never before seen levels, it is vitally important to remember the core of what we do and why we do it.

Teachers make a difference. Undoubtedly they do. Teachers work their arses off. Every single day. I would work 60 - 70 hours every week. Mainly due to the need to develop authentic resources, complete mandatory paperwork (special education and behaviour evidence). Everything needs to be documented these days.

Teaching in this 'new era' requires more than worksheets, coloured pencils, scissors and glue. We are expected to provide rich and authentically engaging lessons in a technologically advanced word. When six year olds are affiliate marketers influencing the global stage via social media, you know that the world is a very different place and so are the children we teach.

Our teaching hats have also needed to evolve. There's just so many hats, in many different sizes and it can be difficult to manage it all.

How do we ensure our students are not 'bored' or get sore hands from colouring or handwriting a few lines... you've noticed this too? So here lies more of a challenge. The challenge to cater for an age where children are somewhat more technically savvy than us.

Before we even consider teaching 'todays' children, we are swamped with the paperwork, organisational systems, professional learning and engagement.

The amount of online 'systems' and resources is just as overwhelming. Where do we start for goodness sake?

I start with a simple list of essentials and prioritise them in a way that suits me.

Click Here for your Checklist

Number 1... knowing my students. Unless of course my class list is yet to be finalised. Then its my room design... to theme or not to theme! No need for a Pinterest Pretty classroom, just one that feels comfortable and inviting to all. Besides, we spend a lot of time in our classrooms.

How will I set up my classroom? Where will my 'MUST HAVES' be situated? Behaviour management or classroom management, is up the top of my priority list. How will behaviour be managed, and what strategies are key to engaging my students?

Important rosters and timetable arrangements are considered before I create my own timetable.

Preparing for a relief, substitute or casual teacher is also vitally important. Not only for you to feel that your students are in good jands, but for the children's ongoing learning to be meaningul. Have you provided a way for them to communciate to you all that you need to know? There is no reason to overwhelm them with pages and pages of information. A few key points and a daily lesson plan is enough.

We haven't even reached our teaching and learning programs yet. We'll get there...time to make a coffee. Click the image for a closer look at this quirky #teacherlife mug.

Data! Data! Data!

Hate it or love it, we need it. Gather what you can, gather what is absolutely relevent. What information helps you to know your students well? What data willl you collect as the year progresses? How will you use it? Whatever the data collection method, it will definitely help you plan your programs and classroom management strategies.

So here we are... Curriculum Planning!

The part of teaching we all love. We love to create units of work and engaging lesson plans. We love to download beautiful resources. We love to create our own work sheets.

We LOVE laminators!

In whatever manner you document your program, whether it's using online software, digital or paper planners, it needs to be done. It needs to be reflected upon. It's evidence.

If you're a teacher reading this, you've probably still thinking about all the other things I haven't mentioned - documentation for children with additional needs, excursions, playground duty, school ports, dance, band, choir....AHHHH!

So, remember to pioritise yourself. Take care of you. Love yourself for everything you are. Your students need you to be the best you can be.

Click the image below to get your instant printable poster.