Organization...And Other Attributes I Wish I Possessed Blog #3

Blog Post #3

Various articles and books I have read say that organization is one of the number one indicators of success. First off, let me start by saying I am the last person who needs to be giving out advice on organization. Papers are piled on my desk; I find sticky notes on my clothes from time to time. I live in “organized chaos”. I’m confessing my greatest weakness to all of you in confidence that, prior to teaching, this unfortunate attribute to my personality will be gone by the time I become a professional teacher in my own classroom. What can I do to combat against my nature? I recognize this as a fatal flaw, and so I decided to speak to veteran teachers and colleagues on what they do in order to stay organized, effective, efficient, and not temporarily lose their minds in the process.  

The first step: Write in your planner.

 Daily, and stick to it.  This is a struggle for me. I begin every year religiously copying down every task and checking off every item as I complete it. As the semester progresses, however, I become less mindful. I realize that as a teacher I will have to become much more proactive with my planner and have materials planned ahead of time, ready and prepared to battle any mishaps, interruptions, or potential needs for a sub along the way.

The second step: Have your space organized. 

My books clutter my car, tossed into an oblivion of a dark hole that I must go digging and searching for the last place I had read it. Perhaps it’s in the back seat of my car, I recall reading it prior to class in the parking lot? This is a common trend of thought for me. A word of advice from my colleagues and mentors is to have a specific bag, place, and an organizational technique that becomes a habit. Not only does it allow me to locate where the book is, but it creates a pattern of organization. A habit that will lead to successful , clear thought. Imagine that. 

The third step: Be prepared. For anything. Ahead of time.

Again, I always start off strong at the beginning. The middle is always alright, and the end smacks me in the face. It’s because I do not prepare ahead of time. When the curve ball is thrown at me so to speak, I am not ready for it. This is not acceptable as a teacher from what I’ve been told. One must be flexible, have material ready to go in case the lesson runs short or be able to condense important material in a short amount of time because a fire drill may have interrupted your class, leaving you with half the time you had planned on having.

I have recognized my weaknesses. The number one being organization, an essential key to a successful career and life. To be scattered and all over the place will no longer be acceptable. It’s time for a change. So here’s to beginning a journey of student teaching with a new mindset and preparing to work on my weaknesses and turning them into strength. Fierce. Ready. Like a warrior. Like a teacher. For anything. 

 What’s your weakness, and how will you make it your strength?