Easing the Teacher Workload: Practical Tips from an International Educator
| by Sbahle Mkhize
Teaching is a deeply rewarding career, but it’s also one that comes with a heavy workload and a lot of responsibility.
As an international teacher in China and a graduate of Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program, I’ve learned that easing the workload doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, practice, and the right strategies.
In this blog post, I want to share with you some tips that have helped me find balance, stay organized, and ultimately enjoy my job more. These are tried-and-true methods that have not only reduced my workload but have also made me a more effective and happier educator.
1. Build a Healthy Workplace
The first key to easing the teacher workload is creating a positive and organized work environment. I’ve found that forming strong relationships with students and colleagues helps create a more supportive atmosphere. It’s also important to maintain a clean, orderly space where you can feel at ease. Having a cluttered desk or classroom can make your workload feel heavier than it is.
It’s not just about physical space, though. Your mental environment matters, too. Establish clear routines for lesson preparation. Don’t walk into your classroom unsure of what you’re teaching. Prepare your materials in advance, plan for students who finish early, and over-prepare rather than under-prepare. This not only makes your day run smoother but also helps you stay calm and focused. Moreland’s TEACH-NOW program helped me develop these organizational skills, ensuring that I approach each lesson with confidence and control.
2. Reduce Your Marking Load
Marking can feel like an endless task, especially during exam season. But you don’t have to take every paper home. Instead, implement strategies like self-assessment and peer feedback in your classroom. This not only lightens your marking load but also teaches students valuable reflection and evaluation skills.
Another great tip is to offer verbal feedback during class. Walking around the room and giving immediate, in-the-moment feedback allows you to cut down on written marking later. By integrating this practice, you’ll find that your workload feels much lighter, and your students benefit from timely guidance.
3. Work Smarter, Not Harder
Setting clear, manageable goals is key to reducing stress. One of the ways I manage my workload is by creating SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals. For example, I focus on tasks that are urgent and need to be done by the end of the week, leaving long-term tasks for later. There’s no need to start working on something that’s due in a month when more pressing matters need your attention.
Spreading out your tasks this way keeps you from feeling overwhelmed. It’s a great way to stay organized and avoid procrastination. Remember, not everything has to be done today. Prioritizing tasks means less stress and a more efficient use of your time.
4. Keep Your To-Do Lists Separate
One strategy that has made a huge difference for me is creating two to-do lists: one for work and one for my personal life. Mixing the two can create unnecessary stress and make your list feel never-ending. By keeping them separate, you can focus solely on your professional responsibilities when you’re at work and your personal tasks when you’re off the clock.
It’s a small change, but it makes a world of difference in how you manage your time and energy.
5. Streamline Your Meetings
Meetings can be a major time drain if they aren’t managed effectively. In my current school, I’ve come to appreciate meetings with clear agendas, start times, and end times. When everyone sticks to the agenda, you avoid unnecessary tangents that often lead to more work and longer to-do lists.
If you’re in charge of organizing meetings, make sure you outline exactly what needs to be covered. Stick to the important points, and make sure everyone knows when the meeting will wrap up. This way, you can get in, get out, and have more time to focus on lesson planning or, better yet, taking a well-deserved break.
6. Set Soft Boundaries
It’s tempting to take work home, but I’ve learned that creating boundaries is crucial for maintaining work-life balance. Don’t bring yesterday’s tasks into today, and resist the urge to respond to emails or messages from students or parents after work hours. Once you clock out, leave the work behind and give yourself time to recharge.
Having these boundaries allows you to enjoy your personal life without feeling guilty or anxious about unfinished work. It’s important to remember that you can’t be an effective teacher if you’re constantly burnt out.
7. Prioritize Self-Care
This might sound cliché, but you really can’t pour from an empty cup. Making time for self-care is crucial in managing stress and workload. I’ve found that having a morning routine — waking up early, doing my skincare routine, enjoying a cup of tea — helps me start my day with a sense of calm. When you take care of yourself, you walk into school feeling more settled and ready to face the day.
This sense of well-being follows me into my classroom. I’ve noticed that I’m more patient, focused, and enthusiastic when I’ve taken time for myself. Moreland’s TEACH-NOW program emphasizes the importance of self-care for teachers, and it’s a lesson I carry with me every day.
Being a teacher will always have its challenges, but by implementing these strategies, you can ease the workload and bring joy back into your teaching. These tips have transformed how I approach my job, and I hope they can do the same for you. Remember, it’s all about finding that balance and creating systems that work for you.
Ready to uplevel your teaching career? Moreland University can help you get your U.S. teaching certification or M.Ed. from anywhere in the world. Our programs are 100% online, fully accredited, and affordable. Request information or complete your no-cost application in less than 15 minutes.
