The content of this week was very much based on the importance of managing time in the neverending onslaught of tasks teacher librarians face on a regular basis. From managing the physical and digital spaces to building your own capacity to use technology effectively, the TL role can be quite demanding. The readings suggest there is value in breaking up large tasks into small manageable ones, particularly when learning about technology and using scaffolds to maximise your time more effectively. One reading that stood out for me was the following:

 

Wilson, T. (2009-2016). Time management for teachers – essential tips if you want a life outside school.  Time Management Success. 

 

This article about balancing a finite amount of time with an almost infinite onslaught of work I found quite thought provoking and very true for most teachers and teacher librarians today. Wilson (2009-2016) conceptualises time for teachers into three zones:

• Zone 1 – Time that is spent in the school
• Zone 2 – Lesson Prep, assessments, marking etc.
• Zone 3 – Your time

 

However, the space between Zone 2 and 3 is time that teachers can use to their own discretion. Here, Wilson (2009-2016) suggests that teachers need to categorise their tasks based on their urgency. It is then suggested that teachers need to be comfortable with doing what needs to be done and moving less urgent items to a later date. Furthermore, Wilson (2009-2016) further suggests that teachers need to be comfortable with “near enough is good enough” for items that do not require perfectionism.

 

I found this quite pertinent to my own practice. Striving to have a perfect program, perfect evaluations, assessments, communications with parents, staff relationships, up to date pedagogical knowledge and books marked with feedback can take a huge toll on me especially when trying to balance this course on top of that mix. I find that my Zone 3 whittles away and the sensation of feeling overwhelmed becomes an everyday occurrence. I know my work colleagues would agree with me in saying that the amount of work intensification and expectations from all stakeholders is becoming a serious issue on teacher welfare. Striving for a work/life balance is going to be one of my future goals once I finish this course. Fingers crossed that it will happen.