Lack of organization puts teacher’s job on the line

Q:  I teach middle school science. Last year, I got written up for not meeting standards. I lost students’ papers and quizzes and didn’t return them within the required time frame. Grading is a problem for me, but sometimes it’s not my fault. Kids will either pretend they handed in work or will forget to put their names on something. No one’s ever going to give me the benefit of the doubt, though, because parents and kids have made too many complaints. I’m in danger of getting put on probation, which is one step before losing my job. I think I’m a good teacher otherwise, and I want to figure out this whole organization thing. I’ve tried having kids hand me papers directly so I can check off their names and put them somewhere safe right away. That hasn’t really done much to help me. I’m overwhelmed and honestly don’t know that I can turn this around. I’ve been this way for as long as I can remember, and I’ve been a teacher for more than a decade. Any suggestions?

In the meantime, you need some compensatory strategies. I’d start by identifying coaches and mentors in your building. Do you have a staff development specialist? A department chair? A supportive administrator? If there are teachers who seem to have this down, ask them whether they’d be willing to meet with you. Talk to them about their approach. What are they doing that you can emulate? Would they be willing to assess your current system and make suggestions? Would anyone be willing to check in with you at regular intervals to hold you accountable? If you’ve been written up, that support may already be in place.

You’re discouraged, but everyone is working on something. This is your thing. You haven’t mastered these executive functioning skills yet, but there’s no reason to stop trying. Here are some ideas that may help.