This course explores The Together Teacher by Maia Heyck-Merlin, providing educators with practical tools to enhance organization, productivity, and time management. Through  reading, discussions, reflective journaling, and hands-on implementation, participants will develop personalized systems to streamline planning, communication, and workflow. The course emphasizes strategies for balancing professional responsibilities with personal well-being, equipping teachers with sustainable habits for long-term success. By the end of the course, educators will have a customized organizational framework to increase efficiency and reduce stress in their daily practice.

This course is appropriate for K-8 General education, special education teachers and gifted and talented teachers.   Counselors, instructional coaches, and administrators would also benefit from learning more about teacher productivity to better support the teachers in their buildings.

Required Text:

• The Together Teacher: Plan Ahead, Get Organized, and Save Time! by Maia Heyck-Merlin, Marin Smith, and Maggie G. Sorby

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Educators will create and implement personalized organizational systems to manage lesson planning, grading, and professional responsibilities efficiently.
• Participants will apply strategies from The Together Teacher to prioritize tasks, set realistic deadlines, and maintain a sustainable work-life balance.
• Educators will refine their methods for tracking and responding to emails, managing meetings, and collaborating effectively with colleagues, students, and families.
• Participants will integrate long-term strategies for maintaining organization, reducing stress, and fostering professional growth through reflection and continuous improvement.