A Reader Writes... (Yes, I Know the Hours are Long - Part 7)

In response to the post, “Yes, I Know the Hours are Long,” an old school LYS Principal writes:

Yes, the hours are long. I would suggest you start thinking about subtraction. In order to get the job of teaching effectively accomplished, we have to spend more time on instruction than we ever have before. Time, effort, and energy are a zero sum game. Once time, energy, and effort are exhausted they cannot be replenished.

Why do teachers do fundraising for student activities, such as prom? Why do we strong-arm teachers to participate after hours “community” events, such as “Heart Runs.” As we add more instructional responsibilities, we have to examine what we do and subtract something. I encourage the LYS nation to start subtracting.

SC Response

Absolutely! As you well know, our niche is optimizing and subtracting. The problem is that non-instructional activities are like politicians, “All of them are bad, except mine.”

That is why we begin with a focus on the foundations of instructional infrastructure and the fundamentals of quality instruction. As you embrace those, you will begin to self-identify the non-essentials to let go of. As you do this, things begin to improve rapidly. It’s just hard for most people to let go. Just remember, the “Do Not Do” list is one of the key elements that separate the great ones from the masses.

Think. Work. Achieve.

Your turn...