The way time is used in schools makes a big difference.
Year after year I'd hear teachers lament during the first two days of school that there just wasn't the time to do a good job collaborating with others and setting up the room.
Then this year, the Union negotiated six hours free of mandatory meetings--the hum in the building was unmistakably as educators met with one another, set up their rooms and prepped for the year to come. No one was tired from sitting for hours on end, yet all were informed of the essential elements during a couple of brief meetings.
After 28 years of teaching with little to no professional time to get ready during the first couple of days, we finally had the time and it was used well--it was definitely time that mattered. Thanks to those who negotiated the positive change!
