You set an example for the students. Be a role model and keep your desk clear and neat.

Store items in drawers and use containers whenever possible.

Label where each item goes.

Create systems for papers so they do not become piles.

Enforce a strict rule of never saying, "Put it on my desk."

Your desk should be your workstation within the classroom. It is important to keep it organized and clean. Take the time to make it functional and be sure to have an appropriate home for everything. Be sure to clean your desk off every night before you leave.

Create a "to-go caddy." Fill a brightly colored container with a pair of scissors, a pad of post-it notes, a small container of tape, a mini stapler, a sharpie, a pen, a pencil, a glue stick and anything else you would like within your reach. This will provide you with a portable office that you can have at your fingertips when you are working with a small group or are away from your desk.

Memorize this phrase: Files Not Piles. Consider investing in a vertical filing system. Most papers that come your way each day can be sorted into one of the following categories:

1 Action: forms you need to fill out, phone messages you need to return, etc.
2 File: papers that you need to save
3 Distribute: flyers meant to be sent home with the children
4 Trash: ads, coupons, catalogs, etc.
5 Outgoing: papers that you need to return to the office, nurse, etc.

As you receive these papers sort them into one of the above categories and place them in the appropriate spot. Discard as much as possible and place the others into the appropriate tray. Address each tray before you leave for the day.

Think high-tech. Educational resource catalogs are available online as are many teaching resources and printables. It is no longer necessary to save hard copies of many paper items.

Create an efficient system for the incoming paperwork. Book orders and permission slips and money oh my! It seems like there is always some form of incoming money or paperwork that you need to track. The most manageable and effective system I have found is to use clasp envelopes. Designate a specific spot to store these in (a file in a drawer works great). Attach a student checklist to the front and label it with the specifics (i.e. permission slip, money, parent chaperone, etc.) As the items roll in check them off and store everything in the envelope.

When creating files, allign all of your tabs in a neat row. It makes them easier to see and read quickly. Avoid colored tabs.

Prepare an interactive seating chart. Finding the perfect seat for each child can prove to be challenging. Print a class set of student numbers onto cardstock, cut and laminate. Sketch an aerial view of your classroom onto an 8.5 x 11 inch paper. Store the numbers and the sketch in either a plastic page protector or a large Ziploc bag. Use the small numbers to move students around and plan their seating. Once you are happy with your plan, copy it onto a paper.

Create a list of student names on your computer. Make multiple copies and keep them on hand for keeping track of homework, assignments, permission slips, conferences, etc.

Make them available to students to use at centers so that you know everyone has had a turn.

Create a checkout system that doubles as an emergency board. Start by listing the places where your students go throughout the day. On the back of a clipboard attach a copy of your students emergency contacts. Program the front of the clipboard to include a class list as well as a space for each location that your students travel to throughout the day. Keep a class set of clothespins next to the clipboard and have children attach their pin whenever they leave the room. In the event of a fire drill or other emergency evacuation, you can grab the board and go. This will ensure that you have everything you need to take attendance and know where the missing children are. If an actual emergency were to occur, you would also have the necessary contact info.

Save time and increase productivity by having two lines at your desk or table when children need help. Have an "express lane" for those who need help with the assignment they are working on and a regular lane for those who need you to check completed work.

To keep track of your originals when you make copies try one of the following:

• store them in a plastic page protector and leave it in the plastic when copying it
• mark the original with yellow highlighter. It won't show up on the photocopy.

Invest in binders that will allow you to easily move papers around. File folders can get bulky and are not easy to manage.

Whenever possible use staples in place of paperclips. The paperclips will get caught on each other.

Use colored file folders and consider assigning a color to each subject area. This will make it easier to locate the ones you need.

When labeling hanging file folders, use clear tabs and not colored ones. They are much easier to read.

Don't be afraid to dispose of things. Most teacher resources can be easily accessed if needed: online, through the public library or from a colleague.

The best thing you can do is simplify. The less you have, the less you need to keep organized.

Create a template for your plans. Include things that occur regularly like gym, music, lunch and recess. Each week you will just need to fill in the specific plans and any updates to your schedule or special events.

If you have a strict curriculum with set pacing then simply record the lesson number. It doesn't make sense to fill in lots of detail about a scripted lesson when you can just refer to your manual.

If you keep a traditional plan book instead of a computer this tip could save you lots of time. Instead of writing your plans in the book write them on Post-It notes. If an unplanned schedule change occurs, you can easily move the Post-It. You can also make a photocopy of the page. As an added bonus, the notes can be transferred to the next year's book.

Print a sheet of labels with each child's name or number on a label. Attach it to a clipboard. Use the label to make notes about students during a lesson. This system will ensure that you check in with each child. At the end of the day, week or unit, peel off the labels and place them on a page dedicated to that child. By photocopying the sheet before removing the labels you will also have a record of how the class is doing as a whole.

Repeat after me: "Not every paper needs to be graded." Once you adopt this mantra, your job will be a lot easier. The goal is for children to learn. Formal assessments should only be performed after the students have had an opportunity to practice a skill.

If you are grading a paper, make the expectations clear to the student prior to assigning it. Create rubric labels so that papers may be graded quickly and fairly. Simply circle the appropriate numbers, total and attach the label.

Never grade homework. Because the work is not done in your presence, it is not possible to determine how much assistance a child has had. It does not always reflect a child's ability.

When creating your own assessment be sure to use a "friendly number" of questions. It will make calculating the total grade much easier if there are 5, 10 or 20 questions.

Scrap the traditional grade book and use MSExcel or an online grading program like Easy Grade Pro. This will eliminate the need to calculate grades as the computer will do it for you.

Explore the idea of creating a classroom website or blog. There are many free options available. I like www.blogspot.com the best. It's a great way to communicate with your whole class at one time.

Plan ahead for conferences. List what you want to discuss with the parent. Have the paper available to reference during your conference and add any additional information that has been discussed. Ask the parent to sign it prior to leaving and then send a photocopy of it home.

Document all communication with parents. Take notes on your phone calls and store your emails in a communication file.

Create a checklist to assure that you have frequent positive communication. Try to rotate between a note/email or phone call home when a child does something great.

Keep all of your meeting notes in one binder. Purchase a three ring binder, tabbed dividers, notebook paper, a pencil pouch and a personal 3-hole punch which fits inside. Label each tab with the specific meetings you attend (i.e. staff, district, special committees, etc.) Fill the pencil pouch with pencils, pens, highlighters and a pad of Post-It notes. Instantly punch holes into any handouts and agendas you receive and add them to the binder. Make all meeting notes within the binder as well.

Delete any email that does not require any action or reference.

Create a folder for email that needs to be saved and immediately move the email to that folder.

Avoid printing emails unless it is absolutely necessary.