School boards and districts identify the number and nature of administrative tasks required of teachers and say those instructors should be engaged in a process to prioritize those tasks. School boards should also try to cut down the time teachers spend on administrative work.

If you have high workload and high administrative responsibilities, you can consider using the following strategies to regain time for teaching: 1) You can delegate certain tasks or duties to student helpers, for example, collecting assignments. 2) You can use digital tools to automate repetitive tasks and processes efficiently. In this way, you can free up valuable time for other important tasks. 3) You should set aside specific time for admin work and protect teaching time.

To balance administrative responsibilities with my passion for teaching, I focus on automating repetitive tasks using tools like Zapier and Google Forms. For instance, I automate data collection and grading processes, which saves me hours each week that I can redirect towards lesson planning and student engagement. Additionally, I set specific times during the week dedicated solely to administrative tasks, ensuring that my teaching time remains uninterrupted. This structured approach not only enhances my productivity but also allows me to maintain a strong focus on what truly matters—my students' learning and development.

When I’m buried in administrative tasks, the first thing I do is prioritize. I make a list of what needs immediate attention and what can wait. I also try to save time with repetitive tasks. For example, I use templates for emails, so I don’t have to start from scratch every time. Sometimes, delegating admin tasks that others (admin team) can do, will save time too. I block out specific times during the day just for preparing my classes and teaching, so the admin work doesn’t take over. But still, some times I have to work extra time to balance all.

To reclaim your time for teaching amidst administrative tasks, consider these strategies: ✅ Automate repetitive tasks with digital tools to save time. ✅ Delegate clerical work to support staff or student helpers when possible. ✅ Set dedicated administrative hours to protect your teaching time. ✅ Integrate Japanese values like *Kaizen* for continuous improvement and *Omotenashi* for enhancing stakeholder engagement. ✅ Use Appreciative Inquiry to focus on strengths and positive aspects. Flow Chart: 🔄 Automate → Delegate → Set Boundaries → Integrate Values → Focus on Strengths Tip: 💡 Combine Appreciative Inquiry with Japanese values like *Kaizen* and *Omotenashi* for effective time management and continuous improvement.