How many ways can you say “no”? Teachers must develop the skill of saying “no” in a myriad of situations – or else risk being set up for becoming even more overworked than they currently are. You’ve certainly heard of a to-do list, and probably keep one running at all times – but do you have a not-to-do list? Teachers are constantly placed in the “hot seat” by being asked and expected to do more than they actually have time to each day. Of course this is certainly not news to you; even newer educators are well aware that the demands on their time from not only their regular jobs but from committees, organizations and other school-oriented groups are often more than they can handle. It seems that everyone is petitioning you for your attention and time. A Not-to-Do List can help you make sense of requests, responsibilities and tasks and become more adept at making decisions in regards to where you will spend your ever-decreasing time, energy and intellect.

Creating Your Not-to-Do List

Deciding where to spend your time and what to spend your time on can become a challenge. Some items that you might decide to include on your list of things not to do include:

1. Activities or other things you have said “yes” to when you really wanted to or should have said a flat “no”. This might include serving on committees, chaperoning a field trip, or other time-consuming activities that you struggle to fit into your already packed schedule.

2. Jobs, projects, and tasks that have little consequence. There are always items on the to-do list that have such little importance that hardly anyone will notice if you don’t get them done on time or if you do them at all (except you). Can you think of some to-do’s that are not really important in keeping the classroom running and keeping you on track that you might weed out of your schedule? If so, add them to the not-to-do list.

3. Things that you do specifically to please other people, or because you fear that they won’t hold you in the same light if you don’t do them. Do you do certain tasks because you want other people to be “beholden” to you for any reason? If you’re just doing something that you really don’t want to do or have time to do so that you can please someone else, you are doing yourself an injustice – especially when your schedule is tightly packed.

4. Items that you can delegate to other people.

5. Uncompensated requests for your time, effort, or knowledge that are inappropriate or less than thoughtful.

6. Tasks that other people should be doing on their own.

7. Any instance or situation where the cost of doing (time, effort, money, relationships, energy) outweighs the benefit received in return.

Tactful Ways to Say No

Saying no tactfully is tricky – but once you master the art, you’ll thank yourself over and over again for growing a backbone and taking some time for yourself. When saying no you should be firm and polite, and never defensive. You don’t want to be overly apologetic or sympathetic; this sends the signal that you will be all too willing to comply “next time around”, which is likely not the case. Remember, you can give an explanation for why you are saying no if you choose to do so, but you’re certainly not obligated to do so.

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Category: Education
Keywords: time management, teacher tips, teaching tips, advice, education, to do list