Completely disorganized

I am a first year teacher and COMPLETELY disorganized!

I thought I was doing well the first few weeks but today I went through some papers that I had stacked on my desk and they were from the first week of school


I am in love with the idea of being organized. I wish I could be one of those anal teachers who always has a place for EVERYTHING .. but I know I will never be that person, even after years of experience.
I am starting to think teaching may have been a bad match for me because I am so cluttered.
Because I am such a mess, I have been forgetting to do simple tasks. My desk is such a disaster that even if I leave notes for myself as "reminders" to do things, they just get mixed in with the shuffle.
I know that if things don't change, I am setting myself up for an unsuccessful, miserable first year but I feel like I am in a hole I can't crawl out of. My disorganization us such that I am at the point of no return!

Re: Completely disorganized

It definitely takes time!!!

Some things that have helped me are:

a tickler file...I took a plastic crate and put 33 hanging folders in there, numbered 1-31, and named to copy, for next month. Any copies I make go in there.

Then I have a metal divider on my desk. You know, they have about 4 sections, usually for file folders. I have my two teachers editions there that I currently use (the other editions that have units for later in the year, I keep in my cubbies).

Now in my file cabinet, I have tons of folders. But I keep one folder in that divider and named it to file. That way, any notices to staff or parent letters or original masters go in there, and once a month, I deal with it.

I'll try to come up with more ideas.

Re: Completely disorganized

I know about being disorganized, but I also know where things are (does this make sense). Anyway, file folders are great...just label them....I also have file folders for each month that I put things that we get from administration and such that I need to hold on too.

I too wish I was anal about this stuff, but I'm not. I've tried to make myself, but I just can't do it. Oh, well, that's what makes us all different

Re: Completely disorganized

File Folders have been my saving grace. My first year I was so disorganized and then my second year I implemented file folders and they have saved me.

This is what I do:
I teach 3 classes: LE, Bio, and Topics.
After I have made the copies for a particular class, I immediately place them in the folder and label them with the class AND lesson topic. All sheets needed for that lesson go in that folder.
Each unit for each class has its own hanging folder. When the lesson is complete, I put it the appropriate hanging folder in the filing cabinet. Usually I try to not to have too many extra copies, so several lesson can easily fit in one hanging folder.

As for units, I also have then organized in binders. Each lesson gets its own sheet protector. In the sheet protector, I have the lesson plan, powerpoint presentation, and worksheets needed for the lesson. This makes it easier for me when I am looking for a particular worksheet to copy. It is much more compact. I did not actually organize this until the summer after my first year, but it is a handy tool which I use all the time

As for memos, they go into a miscellaneous memo folder. When needed, I rifle through it to find what I need.

As for notes to yourself, perhaps try sticky notes and put them around the computer screen? I know several people who do this and they swear by it.

As for student work, I grade quickly but my return work pile always seems to build up. I do have bins for each class. Graded and Needs to be Graded.

Finally I have a parent contact binder. Here I have all of the students signed contracts as well as IEP information. I also have sheets which allow me to log any contact with parents.

Re: Completely disorganized

One thing that is helping me are those plastic magazine organizers..I put some books that I want to make copies out of in there, as well as a folder for parent notes, and one for Scholastic orders..I can see the books..loose papers can't get caught up...so far, it's not so bad, but I, too, feel like I'm always trying something new for organization..you'll get there!

Re: Completely disorganized

One thing I swear by is getting rid of memos as soon as possible. They create crazy clutter. So if I get a memo with an important date, I put the date immediately in my planner. If the memo has info I may need later, I file it in a folder in my desk labeled "Memos" (I keep it all year and go through it in June). Memos that I need to refer to within the next week or so I hang with a piece of tape on the closet behind my desk. When the related event passes I take it down and throw it out.

This may not seem like much but it has helped keep my desk clean.

Re: Completely disorganized

simple folders work best IMHO.

either by class/subject or even month for kids stuff and then a few admin folders (must do, to file, etc) at least then you have things started and it's not so overwhelming when you do organize

Re: Completely disorganized

I am exactly the same!!! I think I'm the most disorganized teacher.. I'd love to be organized but I can't seem to figure it out either! I just have stacks of papers all over the place.. really bad! So obviously I have no advice but you're not alone!! Luckily you're trying to improve things early, I've been teaching for several years & I'm still a total mess! I don't think I'll ever change.

Re: Completely disorganized

What grade do you teach?

I teach first and this is how I organize some of my stuff.

One file cabniet drawer is for centers. The is a large folder for each month and then in that folder their are smaller folders for each week. So I have my monthly centers organized by the week.

Then in another drawer I have again larger folders labeled for each month, then in the folder are smaller folders labeled with the units. For example my November folder has a folder for Thanksgiving, trees and leaves, Veteran's day, etc.

In my closet I have my books/read alouds stored in the order I use them so they are easy to find and pull out. I also try to write everything in my plan book, if I read a book that I borrow, I will write where I got it from so I won't wonder next year where it is!!

Message edited 11/1/2008 11:39:38 AM.

Re: Completely disorganized

I am by no means organized, it have gotten a lot better!

I bought a 10 slot organizer labeled with the days of the week on each side. - on one side I have all my classwork for the week and the other all the homework.

Also I have a file for each month so any activity i do I can throw it in the folder for next year!

I also take 15 min each week to clean off my desk. Between memos, notes, etc sometimes it gets so messy! Anything I need to keep I file away and everything else gets chucked!

Re: Completely disorganized

Re: Completely disorganized

What do you teach? I can give you advice from a Middle School teacher's standpoint. I am VERY organized.

1. Lesson plans are in binders marked by marking period and course. Each lesson plan is typed and in a file folder. Any dittos that go with that lesson follow it.

2. File folders are my BFF! LOL, seriously. Every ditto is numbered and gets put in a file folder. It helps keep photocopying easier.

3. Use colorful steno pads. Before I leave each day I write down any important things to do for the next day. I don't leave work until I have crossed everything off.

HTH!

Re: Completely disorganized