Finding a place to work is not always as easy as it sounds. Some schools provide quiet study rooms, but many don’t. Often when they are provided, they aren’t quiet, and very often aren’t suitable for administrative tasks.
At the beginning of term, it is well worth spending 15 minutes thinking – really thinking – about what kind of space you need and where you can find it. Requirements may vary depending on what kind of work you need to do and what kind of person you are (some lucky people can concentrate on work while conversations hum around them, but maybe you can’t). Here is an example of clear requirements:
a) I need a quiet and uninterrupted for 30 mins at 07:45
b) I need a full desktop area to spread out marking and room for two crates of coursework
You should then think creatively about where you could work regularly. Don’t settle for the obvious answers (the common room, the library) if they’re not right for you (see below for specific tips)
If you are lucky enough to have your ‘own’ classroom, then try to be assertive about its use. Tell your head of department that you like to use the room outside school hours, and ask your colleagues not to interrupt you while you’re planning. Polite but firm is the aim. Many teachers find doing this difficult and worry that it may sound precious or grumpy. However, it gives a clear signal that you are taking your admin duties seriously, and people will understand if you tell them the truth: you find it hard to concentrate on routine work unless you have a quiet place to work uninterrupted.
Now, what do you actually need in terms of a working environment? Many teachers would answer ‘not much’. Maybe they’re right – some people are pretty oblivious to their surroundings, they just concentrate on what they’re doing and don’t let external factors affect them. However, these people are a lucky minority; studies have shown that most workers (including teachers) are significantly affected by their working conditions. Efficiency, productivity, morale and stress can all be influenced by the place in which you work. You need to take steps to ensure that your work-place is:
1. adequately lit (if not, cheap desk lamps are quite effective)
2. at a stable, reasonable temperature;
3. ergonomically sound – in particular, your chair should give you adequate back support and be height-adjustable to match your desk or table.
A few specific tips:
Tip 1 - If you don't have an appropriate place to work
It is a good idea to physically tour the school one day straight after class. Walk around (say 'hi' to people too) and just find your way round. Look at every locked room and ask what it is used for. Notice any quiet classrooms which don't seem to be occupied after school. Take particular interest in well-equipped areas which aren't already taken - not just the teacher's desk; consider tables, workbenches, even students' desks. ICT suites are often an excellent, under-used resource for teachers. Art rooms often have large tables excellent for spreading coursework on...
Tip 2 - If there are too few phones available..
I find the most efficient way of dealing with parental phone calls is to have a cheap 'school only' mobile, which I use for outgoing calls only, with the number withheld. I never answer incoming calls - the voicemail message instructs callers to contact the school office.
Tip 3 - If your boss closes her office door..
If I asked for a meeting with the faculty head, I would probably get directed to the school secretary who manages her diary. She would probably ask for an outline agenda, and arrange for a meeting room to be booked. However, it is really time-consuming to constantly 'pop' round to see the faculty head when I have a question or a proposal; it's a two-minute walk each way, and she's frequently busy so then I have to wait.
My solution was what I call a secret meeting. I figured out that she is always pretty free after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays (she supervises the bus-stop). I save up my questions, and deal with anything non-urgent then. I guess this happens once every two-three weeks. I don't think she's yet figured out that I have scheduled a recurring meeting with her.