One of the biggest challenges that teachers face is not having enough time to get everything done. We completely agree.   Teachers have a LOT of responsibilities and it seems like we are always bombarded with more responsibilities each year. However, when we look underneath the surface at the root of the issue, we see that some of our struggles can be due to ill prepared planning periods.   We know that you are mentally fatigued by the time you get to your planning period. Many of us have good intentions but reach a point of exhaustion that prevents us from accomplishing our tasks. The truth is, if we plan on working only contract hours as a teacher then we need to use the time in our contract hours wisely.    Don’t forget we have a freebie for you! If you want to reach the point where you are working less contract hours, check out our 30 Days to Working Only Contract Hours resource.    In this episode we share 6 Tips that have helped us work only contract hours without compromising our commitment and service to our students.    Tip #1: Decide Your Greater Purpose Tip #2: Choose Tasks that Match your Time Frame Tip #3: Have a Plan for Your Planning Time Tip #4: Prepare Your Workspace Tip #5: Reduce Distractions Tip #6: Be Like Nike   Noteworthy in the Episode: Understanding that we are more than just teachers and we have passions outside of school drive us to organizing our time more effectively.  Creating a plan for your planning time will reduce the waiting period and increase your motivation and focus.  Focus on doing tasks that will help move you forward. Cleaning your room or a students desk are distractions from your goals.  We have to learn to stand up for ourselves and our time. You can politely say you have work to do. Just remember to follow up and stay connected with your peers.    LINKS Check out our Digital Planner! 007: Lesson Planning Like a PRO! 30 Days to Only Working Contract Hours   SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW Are you subscribed to our podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. Click here to subscribe to iTunes! Now if you’re feeling extra loving, We would be really grateful if you left us a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find our podcast and they’re also fun for us to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you! Until next time… be timely,  stay organized, and be productive… buh-bye… see ya!