The Efficient Educator: An Ode to Ben Franklin

When I was in the fifth or sixth grade, I started folding a piece of notebook paper into fourths, and I’d label each quadrant with my to-do lists, my goals, and quotes that I liked. I loved checking things off my list; and that piece of paper, tucked away in my Trapper Keeper, gave me the confidence to think big. Around that time, as a part of a biography unit in my English language arts class, I stumbled upon Ben Franklin, and I could not get enough of his pithy sayings. My favorite, “By failing to prepare, you prepare to fail,” was a talisman against the unknown. If I planned enough, made all the lists, and sought inspiration, I’d somehow be prepared for the world. Eventually I graduated to an actual leather planner (Franklin Covey, of course), but the gist remained the same. Honestly, my philosophy hasn’t changed that much, and my obsession with Ben Franklin and office supplies has helped shape my teaching philosophy. I’ll be doing a webinar on March 26 at 8 p.m. EST called “The Efficient Educator: Tips and Tricks to Save Time (and Your Sanity!).” Until then, enjoy some of my favorite Ben Franklin quotes that can help all of us be more efficient and effective educators. 

“What you seem to be, be really.” 

One of the most important lessons to learn in life, but particularly as an educator, is to always be transparent about who you are. Authenticity is key, especially with kiddos. They can smell an imitation or hypocrisy a mile away. Additionally, I’ve always found it to be very powerful to be myself with my students’ families. I care deeply about my students’ success, and when the families know that, they are willing to give me a break when I make a mistake. Robin Vitucci’s “8 Tips for Engaging Families and Strengthening Communication” has lots of great ideas about sharing our authentic selves with our families, creating a relationship that will benefit students, families and teachers. 

“A true Friend is the best Possession.”

The friends I have at work make me a better teacher. Not only do we learn from each other, but we also lean on each other when times are tough. It may seem like a cliche, but we “do life” together through the hard times, and it makes me a better teacher knowing there are people who will have my back. If I’m sick, I know that my lesson plans will be printed out. When my dad died, my best friend and co-teacher closed out all of our grades and shut down our room for the summer. Health scares, divorces, devastating tragedies, and the day-to-day chaos of our jobs are made bearable by the true friendships we develop. Gallup’s article “The Increasing Importance of a Best Friend at Work” explains how dramatically important it is post-pandemic to have a strong support system. 

“Pardoning the Bad, is injuring the Good.”

We can never control what happens outside our classroom, but we can create an environment where all students are safe and respected. Creating a caring classroom where everyone understands they are valued is paramount to running an efficient and effective classroom. Make the time from the get-go to establish norms and values, and hold students accountable when they deviate from the acceptable behaviors. If you handle things the first time, even if it seems awkward, you’ll save yourself time and energy later. Besides—it is what is best for kiddos. If you’d like more information on building intentional classroom communities, check out my webinar “Tips for Success: Creating Classroom Communities.”

“Hide not your Talents, they for Use were made. What’s a Sun-Dial in the shade!”

I tell new teachers who I mentor that it is important to be the expert. If you are a science teacher, you are a scientist. I’m an ELA teacher, but I am also a writer. There is nothing wrong with making our expertise clear with our students, and encouraging them to share things they are knowledgeable about. When we model pride in our work and project our confidence, it is contagious. One reason that the teaching profession is often devalued is a humility that is misinterpreted. Jose Vilson’s Medium article “Why Teachers Need to See Themselves as Experts” carefully makes the case that “We’re looking for heroes to come validate the work we do, but those with mics usually don’t pass them along. We can’t wait our turn on this one.” 

“Glass, China, and Reputation, are easily crack’d, and never well mended.”

As a mentor coordinator for my district, one of the most important messages I have for new teachers is that our reputation is our most valuable asset. Of course, I tell them to watch what they post on social media, and to use discretion in all things, but that is not the most important part of our reputation. Instead, it isn’t always about protecting a reputation, but rather building one. Being a teacher is an incredible responsibility, but it is an honor as well. Check out my blog “So You Want to Be a Teacher” to read more about the ways the profession requires us to be “more” than we sometimes think we can be. We are able to be effective and efficient when our reputation speaks for itself. Families know I care about my students. Students know I am on their side, and I will advocate for them. My co-teacher and I make it clear that everyone will go on field trips because we will find the money for students to go. We will always make sure our students have the tools they need to learn. When these issues are taken off our students’ plates, we are able to be our best and allow our students to grow.

If you are interested in specific tips to grow your efficiency and effectiveness, I’d love to share some ideas for saving time, maximizing impact and staying sane. Join me on March 26 at 8 p.m. EST for an interactive webinar and professional conversation.