When you're juggling multiple classes and prep work, staying organized is key. One way to do this is by creating a clear schedule. Use a calendar or planner to plan out time for each class, study session, and homework. Another helpful tip is to keep all your materials in one place. Instead of searching through different notes and papers, make separate folders on your computer or cloud storage for each subject. You can store notes, assignments, and other materials in these folders. You can use apps to help you stay organized. Some apps let you make lists, set reminders, and track tasks. For studying, you can find tools that help you create flashcards and test your knowledge.

Begin met een realistische planning. Geen overvolle agenda, maar ruimte voor onverwachte dingen. Gebruik digitale tools, maar niet als een doel op zich. Zie ze als hulpmiddelen om tijd te besparen, niet als vervanging van menselijke interactie. Denk in blokken: plan vaste momenten voor voorbereiding, nakijken, en contact met studenten. Maar wees niet rigide, laat ruimte voor spontaniteit. En vooral, maak het leuk! Integreer spelvormen, creatieve opdrachten, en momenten van interactie in je lessen. Zo wordt lesgeven geen taak, maar een passie. En als je zelf plezier hebt, straal je dat ook uit naar je studenten.

To streamline your process, you need to first set a schedule for yourself. This is so that you would know how much time you have for your classes and your prep work. You need to then use tools to help you stay organized. This is so that you would be able to store and refer back to your prep work or things related to your classes easily. You need to also delegate not important tasks to your aides or anyone whom you trust. This is so that you would have time for the important tasks.

Balancing multiple classes and prep work can be overwhelming, but a few strategies help streamline the process. First, batch similar tasks—grading, lesson planning, and emails—into dedicated time blocks to maintain focus. Digital tools like templates, reusable lesson plans, and automation for announcements save time. Prioritizing essential content and using active learning strategies also reduce prep without sacrificing engagement. Collaboration with colleagues to share resources and ideas lightens the load. Lastly, setting boundaries—designating work hours and allowing time for breaks—prevents burnout. A structured approach makes the workload more manageable and improves overall effectiveness.

From my viewpoint, enforcing rules with empathy means recognizing that every struggling student has a story behind their challenges. Clear expectations provide structure, but compassion builds trust. Open communication allows students to feel heard, while consistent support ensures they are not left behind. Rules should guide, not punish, and when enforced with understanding, they become stepping stones to growth rather than barriers. How do you balance structure and empathy in your approach?

I need discipline - a schedule where there is allocated time for me to prepare for my classes and for marking work. A preplanned schedule ensures that I'm more organized and able to complete my tasks in time. It also allows me to have time outside of my work/preparations/grading for other aspects of my life.

In my experience, planning and grading efficiently comes down to blocking time and prioritizing impact. Not everything needs deep feedback—sometimes quick checks are enough. I’ve also learned not to let ‘perfect’ get in the way of ‘really darn good and done.’ One habit that helps? Assigning specific tasks to set blocks of time—like always using my first planning period to prep and grade for a later class. It keeps me focused and prevents my attention from getting fragmented throughout the day. And let’s be real—teachers are juggling way more than just their classes, so intentionally blocking time helps with everything else too, like writing comments, letters of recommendation, and meeting with parents or admin.