---

Excerpted from Resourcing: Handbook for Special Education Resource Teachers.

Resourcing – Being a Time Manager

There are several roles you will play as a resource to others. An obvious big question remains: Where do you find the time to do these things?

There are no simple solutions to this problem, but some suggestions are listed below.

1. Analyze how you are currently using your time. Take a few days to keep a log of how your time is spent. After completing your log, use the analysis to look for time periods that could be better used to implement your resourcing role.
   
   
2. Look at specific activities you are currently doing and brainstorm ways to complete them more efficiently and effectively.
   • If you have an aide, could some of your duties be delegated to this person?
     
   • Are there legitimate opportunities for you and another teacher to combine classes in order for each of you to be free for other important job responsibilities? Perhaps you could trade off with each other.
     
   • Is your work organized in such a way that you tackle the difficult, important items first and then move on to less demanding activities? Or do you find yourself putting off your least favorite activities and spending time on nonessentials?

   Critically examine your own organization and rearrange some activities that could be completed more efficiently. I recommend that you tackle first the most important tasks or those that are the most difficult and time consuming.

3. Talk with your principal about options in scheduling. If your schedule provides no time for some of the roles mentioned earlier, talk with your principal about possible schedule changes. When you do this, be prepared to discuss the importance of these roles, the goals and benefits of your resourcing role, and suggested options. One benefit of collaboration is that referrals to special education are often reduced through preventative strategies. This could reduce the amount of time you are required to test.
   
   
4. If you have a collaboration planning team, have them brainstorm ways to schedule time for this activity. Some schools have agreed to have roving substitutes once a week for this purpose. Others have reduced staff meeting time to allow for collaboration.
   
   
5. Remember your goals and priorities. Do not overdo it as you start in your resourcing role. Do not tackle more than you can handle!
   
   
6. Keep an ongoing watch on your time. Once you have begun your time-management strategies, keep using them!

More articles on Being a Resource to Others