#31: How to Balance Work and Life as a Teacher With Laurel Denise
Teachers are no strangers to long hours, endless to-do lists, and the constant juggling act between work and personal life. Between lesson planning, grading, meetings, and classroom management, it can feel like there’s no time left for yourself. Add in family responsibilities, and it’s easy to see why so many teachers feel exhausted, overwhelmed, and stretched too thin.
But here’s the good news: achieving a work-life balance isn’t a myth. In this episode of The Science of Reading Formula, we sat down with Laurel Denise, creator of the innovative Laurel Denise Planners, to talk about real, actionable strategies to help teachers reclaim their time and energy—without sacrificing their love for teaching.
Why Teachers Struggle with Work-Life Balance
Before diving into solutions, it’s important to understand why balance is so difficult for teachers:
- The Never-Ending To-Do List – There’s always something else that needs to be done.
- Emotional Investment – Teaching isn’t just a job; it’s a passion, which makes it hard to set boundaries.
- Unpredictability – Unexpected tasks and last-minute changes are part of the job.
- The Pressure to Do It All – Teachers feel pressure to be everything for their students, administrators, and families.
- Guilt Over Personal Time – Many teachers feel guilty when they take time for themselves.
If any (or all) of these sound familiar, don’t worry—you’re not alone. And more importantly, there are simple shifts you can make to regain control of your time.
Practical Strategies for Work-Life Balance
1. Use a Planner That Works for Your Brain
Not all planners are created equal. Laurel Denise’s unique planner layouts help you see everything at a glance, so you’re not constantly flipping between pages or feeling overwhelmed. Find a system that works for you—whether that’s a paper planner, digital calendar, or a combination of both.
2. Set Clear Work Hours (And Stick to Them)
Teaching is a never-ending job—but that doesn’t mean you have to be available 24/7. Decide on a specific time each day to stop working and honor it as you would any other important appointment.
3. Batch Your Tasks
Instead of switching between grading, lesson planning, and emails throughout the day, try batching similar tasks together. For example:
- Monday: Lesson planning
- Tuesday: Grading
- Wednesday: Parent communication
- Thursday: Classroom organization
- Friday: Catch-up & prep for next week
This reduces decision fatigue and keeps you focused.
4. Schedule Non-Negotiable Personal Time
If you don’t schedule personal time, it won’t happen. Treat self-care like an important meeting—put it on your calendar and protect it. Whether it’s a workout, dinner with friends, or reading a book, prioritize yourself.
5. Have a Weekly Family Calendar Meeting
Life outside of school is just as busy! Laurel Denise recommends a Sunday calendar meeting with your family to review the week ahead and divide responsibilities. This prevents last-minute surprises and helps everyone stay on the same page.
6. Let Go of Perfection
Not every lesson needs to be Pinterest-worthy. Not every email needs a long reply. Done is better than perfect. Give yourself permission to do your best and let go of the rest.
7. Use a “Future Tasks” List
If your brain is constantly spinning with ideas, try keeping a “Future Tasks” list where you jot down things to revisit later. This helps you stay focused on what’s important now without losing great ideas for the future.
In This Episode, You’ll Discover:
- The #1 mistake teachers make when trying to balance work and life
- A simple planner system that reduces stress and increases productivity
- How to set boundaries without feeling guilty
- The best way to prioritize tasks when everything feels important
- Why “future task” lists are a game-changer for busy teachers
Bringing It All Together
Work-life balance isn’t about doing less—it’s about doing what matters most in a way that’s sustainable. By implementing small, intentional changes, you can reclaim your time, reduce stress, and create a life where you thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
Want More Support? Join The Science of Reading Formula
If you’re looking for more practical, brain-friendly strategies to improve your teaching and simplify your life, consider joining The Science of Reading Formula. It’s a community designed to give teachers the tools, resources, and support they need to make teaching easier and more effective.
LINKS
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Become a Science of Reading Formula member!
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