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in the post conference conversation. like to meet. This exhibits an open Delegate
This is a great opportunity for specific door policy and keeps the door
discussion points that are individualized closed during other times. This can This may be easier said, especially
for each teacher, hitting strengths and be done via a specific schedule, or for those who prefer to be in control.
weaknesses. a first come basis, whichever works It may be humbling to realize that
best. Time should also be delegated it does take more than one person
to get things done. Consider that
Technology Tips for phone calls and other forms of when enlisting another person, you
communication. Be wary of those who
Take advantage of technology and may monopolize valuable time and are also gaining another view point
the convenience of working remotely. plan ways to cut those conversations which can be advantageous. Many
When arriving and waiting for meetings, to an appropriate time limit. There faculty members have administrative
workshops or out of school events to is nothing like a fire drill to quickly aspirations and are motivated to take
begin, use the time to answer emails, wrap up a conversation that has far on duties that provide experience and
review lesson plans, or anything that exceeded its time limit. help build resumes.
you can do on a portable device. Virtual
communication has been helpful for Files Make it About Numbers
working efficiently. However, this can
hinder attempts to time manage if Keep all files, virtual and hard copy, Administrative duties often include
overdone. Avoid over-checking emails organized so that they can be quickly making decisions. Some may take
as this can become a distraction taking retrieved. Be mindful of classifying minutes; some may take weeks or
time away from other tasks. Schedule and naming documents and folders months. Consider the math when set-
email checks no more than three times so they are easily understood. When ting time limits. Classify the decisions
during the school day. Take advantage downloading or printing district docu- by time consideration limits giving
of automatic replies such as directives ments, immediately place them into yourself three minutes, three days, or
for urgent communications and "away files to avoid desktop clutter, both on three weeks. These time limits can be
from office" replies. the computer and on the desk. Have used for many tasks such as giving
calendars and planners always within yourself three days to complete an
Organize reach when scheduling meetings to observation report, plan a PLC three
weeks prior to the date, sending meet-
An administrator's day can be divided avoid time conflicts. Determine the ing agendas three days prior, etc.
best way to note requests or needs
into two sections, during school hours from faculty. Some may opt for post-
and off school hours. When creating its, or notes either hard copy or on a Clear the Cobwebs
a "to do" list, be sure to divide the list device. When these are not available
with the priority of being visible during suggest that the request be sent via When the mind cannot unwind, putting
school hours. Many administrators email. While the intention to remember the body to work is a great use of time.
start the school day by completing a the request is sincere, the memory Take a walk around the school build-
school/class walk-through, with the may not cooperate. ing, force some treadmill time, or go
goal of stepping into each class at bike riding. Many times this not only
least once weekly, if possible. Keep Plan clears the mind but provides an effec-
all instructional schedules available to tive brain boost which may provide an
know when teachers are teaching and The worst time to make a plan is when "aha moment."
when they are not. This helps when you need it immediately. It was Ben Time is a valuable commodity that we
finding the time to meet with faculty Franklin who was believed to have said, seem to always want more of. When
individually and when scheduling time "If you fail to plan, you are planning to used wisely and efficiently, we may
to meet with parents and teachers. fail." Pre-planning for just about anything find that "time is on our side."
will save valuable response time when
Schedule Office Hours needed. Remember to plan for both the
Schedule some time each week to expected, and the unexpected.
be available to any faculty member,
parent or even student who would

About the Author
Luann Voza, Ed.D. is a former math/science teacher and current Supervisor of Math/Science PK-6 for
the Lyndhurst School District. Luann has served on the NJASK Math Gr 3-5 Item Review Committee,
PARCC Math 3-5 Item Review Committee, and was an adjunct professor at NJCU. She is the author of
a Barron's PARCC Review Book Gr 4 Math and an ARGO Brothers Workbook Gr 2 Math. Luann resides
in Lyndhurst, NJ with her husband, Tom Shoebridge.

Educational Viewpoints -55- Spring 2018