As a paraprofessional you can expect to be juggling multiple things at once, from assisting teachers to providing one on one support to students. Fostering good time management skills can be an immediate game-changer. Whether you’re working in a high energy classroom or navigating the unique challenges of paraprofessional jobs in NJ, having efficient time management is essential to succeed. In this blog we list great time management tips for paraprofessionals.
Time Management Tips for Paraprofessionals
- Plan ahead
Planning your day ahead of time is simple but can make a huge difference. By having your day planned out, you’ll be able to focus better and be more productive. Think about tasks that can be done before the kids’ buses arrive to get ahead of your workload. Can you check your emails? Print any classroom materials? Use your time wisely.
- Use Organizational Tools
Time management and being organized go hand in hand. In order to manage your time effectively, use tools such as a planner, calendars, or task management apps such as Asana to help you track tasks, deadlines, and projects. If you’re a paraprofessional in NJ, you may want to keep track of the state-specific training requirements or certifications. By having everything documented in one spot, you’ll never miss a deadline.
- Understand Your Priorities
As a paraprofessional expect to face multiple demands, from organizing classroom materials to leading small group instruction and everything in between. At the beginning of the day, be sure to prioritize your tasks. Are there any tasks that are reaching a deadline? Is there something that can use attention? Having a clear plan of action for the day ensures that your responsibilities are handled.
- Set Realistic Goals
Although you may want to tackle every task immediately, it’s important to set realistic daily and weekly goals. For bigger tasks, approach it by breaking up the task into smaller, more manageable pieces. Using this technique helps prevent burnouts while still feeling accomplished as you complete each piece. For example, instead of organizing classroom materials for the entire week, organize either 2- or 3-days’ worth of materials. You may also want to take a task and delegate a specific time each day to sit down and complete some of the said task.
- Learn to Say No
Paraprofessionals generally get asked to help others in many different ways and areas. Don’t be afraid to say no to things that will eat up your time. If you overcommit yourself, you may experience burnout faster. If someone asks you to help with a task that is outside of your job scope, politely decline. By setting boundaries you can avoid unmanageable workloads and focus on what is truly important.
- Have Clear Communication with Your Team
Time management isn’t just about the tasks that need to be done but also includes how you collaborate with your team. Make sure that you have open and clear communication with anyone you and your student work with. By having that clear line of communication, it can prevent any misunderstandings. As a paraprofessional, you may work in a classroom where the priority is inclusion, where teamwork and communication are key in creating that environment.
- Build in Breaks
Even the most efficient paraprofessionals need some time to themselves to take a break and recharge. Although it may seem counterintuitive, taking breaks can actually improve your productivity. By taking little breaks throughout the day, it will also improve your focus especially in a high stress environment like a special education classroom.
Final Thoughts
Having good time management skills is essential for paraprofessionals, enabling you to handle your responsibilities efficiently while maintaining balance. Using organizational tools and setting priorities or goals helps you make the most of your time. Whether you’re a first year paraprofessional in NJ or a seasoned para, the time management tips for paraprofessionals listed in this blog can help you thrive in your role. Making small changes to how you delegate your time at work can lead to big improvements.
Are you looking for a paraprofessional job in NJ? Let us help you! We’re always looking for paraprofessionals to join our team. Explore our hot jobs page or send us your resume and one of our dedicated recruiters can connect you with your next job!
