The Eisenhower Matrix for Teachers

How one tool can make you more efficient and less stressed.

David Weller

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How do you write your to-do list?

Teachers have so many tasks to juggle, my to-do list used to be on post-it notes stuck all over my desk, on my monitor, and crumpled in my pockets. It’s hard to explain to non-teachers just how many things we have to do, and with so much work, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. When we have so many tasks and paperwork outside of the classroom, it’s easy to get stuck on a treadmill, burning through our time and energy reserves.

When you find yourself confused and exhausted, it’s helpful to have a tool that can cut through the clutter and give you clarity. A powerful tool to do this is called the ‘Eisenhower Matrix’, — a decision-making tool to help you organise and prioritise tasks.

Used in business, it’s also a fantastic tool for teachers, school leaders and students.

What is the Eisenhower Matrix?

It’s a simple grid to categorise your tasks, and a thinking tool to decide how to use your time best.

It was inspired by a quote from President Eisenhower:

“I have two kinds of problems, the urgent and the important. The urgent are not important, and the important are…

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David Weller

Lessons, stories and visuals to develop your language teaching and learning. 20 years in education, 3 books, and a twice-monthly newsletter.