It is about that time of the year for students competitions and conferences. From managing communications with parents, collecting permission slips & fees, juggling practice times, incorporating research opportunities and critiquing products - it can be a daunting task to undertake.
Often, many actively teaching educators decline considering being a club or competitive event advisor just because of the various duties and time involved.
Here are six (6) helpful tips:
1. Map out a time line of tasks to complete with alt dates just incase goals are not met when desired is essential. Keep a checklist and check off what you complete- this is encouraging to you and them-- progress is being made!
2. Keep a folder- electronic and hardcopy of all correspondences is a plus- especially if it is something you plan to do in consecutive years.
3. On the day of the event - create a "game plan"- listing times, locations and event titles so that time conflicts are easy to address.
4. Lastly, do not turn down help or donations- you will never ever not need it. What has worked best for me is having a "game plan" or term used in football- "play book". Give it also to students in a folder to keep them accountable as well.
5. Above all- get rest, take time for yourself, and manage your time so that your classroom excels as well.
6. Better yet- incorporate some of the events in the classroom- Its a two for one- and all win!
Best wishes!!
