Balancing the end of the school year provides music educators the challenge and opportunity to leave his or her students with a sense of positive momentum. Even more, this momentum has the power to inspire and motivate students through the summer and fall months. As a result, students will grow, adding value to your program and, consequently, can fill important student leadership roles.

The Concept of Balance

What is “balance?” This concept may have different meanings by educators who are at different stages in their careers. My interpretation of balance involves the percentage of the “what” and “how” activities in my life.

The first question I ask myself is, What are my big picture goals in life?” Many of us in the music education industry share similar goals and yet how we arrange our life activities are very different. Above all, I want to have a healthy relationship with God, my family, my profession and myself. Froma big picture perspective each of these non-negotiable relationships will have scheduled time devoted to its growth and development. For the sake of this discussion, I will focus on the work and profession side of things.

What Needs to be Balanced?

A month or two before the end of the school year, regardless if you teach at the elementary, middle or high school level, work has the potential to be chaotic. Projects and activities that may eat up your time include (but are not limited to):

Spring Concerts

End of the Year Banquets

School Board Meetings/ Presentations

Marching Band Info Meetings

Marching Band Rehearsals

Summer Camps

Booster Meetings

Senior Recitals

School Award Ceremonies

Observations

Meetings for Mentees and Mentors

School Committee Meetings

School Professional Development

Recruiting Activities

Inventory

Budget Preparation

Calendar Preparation

Instrument Repairs

Central Office Liason Duties and

Updating Grades

The Problem

The problem is that there are not enough hours in the day to complete everything if we do not plan. Hence, the results of not planning includes:

Overall poor and unsatisfying end of the year for you and your students

Less than desirable Spring Concert Performances

Unorganized and unmotivating Marching Band and Summer Camp Presentations

Poor Teacher Evaluations

Possible Employment Termination

Wasted opportunities for growing program momentum

Inability to strengthen relationships with staff, students, future students and parents

Losing key dates to schedule activities for next year

and much more

Possible Solutions

Time management and organizational skills are vital in crafting an optimized balance to the end of the school year. Furthermore, other such tactics can help ensure a positive outcome.

First of all, set aside personal time

Avoid procrastination

Organize the day by your priorities

Strategically plan homework and project assignments

Plan for breakdowns

Have a plan “B” (or even plan C, D, and E)

Plan for Everyday , don’t take this for granted

, don’t take this for granted Don’t leave anything to memory

Leave reminders (Technology can be useful here)

Practice What is Non-Negotiable

Simplify Your Day

When traveling down the road or down the hallway, complete tasks that are on the way

Set Daily Goals

Use One Calendar

Have a “Do It Now Attitude!”

Above all, ask questions

Conclusion

Unless you have a Fairy God Mother or you can time travel, you probably have time management challenges. The more you practice being a problem solver and plan at completing tasks – the better you will be at balancing more substantial sets of responsibilities in a limited amount of time. As a result, you will develop a professional balance that will benefit you and your students.