Even under the best conditions, teaching can be difficult and stressful. Still, every teacher I’ve had the privilege of speak with wears their superhero cape and mentions wanting to be there for their students to deliver the best possible learning.

Well, I want to be there for you, too, and urge you to take care of yourself because, if you want to give your best, you need to be at your best. Plus, you can model self-care for your students.

Here are four tips for you to better balance work and life.

1. Less is more, and simple is best.

Focus on the musts and keep things simple by concentrating on the learning objectives. Be willing to sacrifice quantity for quality. Your bitmoji classroom not done yet? No worries! It is far more important to get everyone used to the model you are using. The bitmoji can come later when you’re in the groove and want to level up. Consider these evidence-based tips to help you design quality materials.

2. Choose technology that supports you.

So often when we speak of edtech, we think of apps for learners: Which app will engage them? What can help them accomplish their learning goals? Soon we’re overwhelmed with options and so are our students.

To keep your balance, use a few select tools consistently and routinely; add in more tools only as you need them. Don’t forget, though, technology can take a load off you as well. Use a digital classroom planner that lets you move things around if you need to (or to share the load; see next point). Keep track of students who ask questions or need support using one of many student tracker apps. Make the tech work for you!

3. Share the load with other teachers.

Reach out to other teachers in your school or grade level and split the load. Collaborate on lesson plans or share templates (using digital plans make this simpler). Be mindful of your learning objectives as you use ready resources, even if they are prepared by teachers. This is where planning can help you identify the exact resource you need. But don’t forget! It #TakesAVillage to support students’ learning. Share your objectives and specific instructions with parents so they can support you as the need arises. 

4. Set boundaries and model self-care.  

Last but not in the least, online or remote learning need not mean you're on call all the time. Set and communicate your time, your channels and days of availability (e.g., office hours, M-F, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. via SeeSaw or email). Use auto responses like this savvy teacher to respond to FAQs. Walk through assignments with video or synchronous sessions. Model self-care for your students because your emotional state can impact theirs and you can serve as an example as well.

Looking for ways to move beyond a basic understanding of how tools work to apply research-based principles for effective online learning? Check out the ISTE’s Online Teaching Bundle that educators are raving about.

Dr. Kripa Sundar (NarayanKripa Sundararajan, Ph.D.) is an independent consultant, researcher and parent working to spread the love of learning. Her portfolio includes professional development, speaking, course authoring, and program design. She is currently most excited about her upcoming resource hub for adults to support kids' learning called Learning Incognito and her book How do I learn? for young kids to learn and explore how they learn, every day.    

This is an updated version of a post that first published on Aug. 30, 2020.