Once you start teaching, you will have many competing demands on your time. Workload and tiredness are likely to be issues, as well as less predictable events such as personal problems, health issues or distractions that shake your confidence in yourself as an effective teacher. It is very important that you develop strategies to balance your workload and manage your time effectively, and that you take the time to care for your own wellbeing.
Time Management and Competing Demands
In this video, Tim talks about dealing with competing demands on your time.
TIM Time Management
Elements of self-care
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Understand your work environment:
- Your workplace
- What's required of you
- How you are expected to do your work - Familiarise yourself with policies and procedures relating to your work activities.
- Know the people, units and services that can provide consultation, resources and support.
Where to get help in your self-care
UNSW has a range of staff support mechanisms that you may wish to access:
- UNSW Health Service
- Lifestyle Clinic
- UNSW Fitness and Aquatic Centre
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Child Care Services
You're not alone
Where appropriate, discuss any concerns you have with your School and Faculty colleagues and friends. Remember that you're part of larger enterprise; you have responsibilities to staff and students, but the University community can also provide you with vital support.
Talk to your supervisor
Probably the most important relationship you have at UNSW (apart from the relationship with your students) is with your supervisor or subject coordinator. This person knows the circumstances of your employment, the subject you are teaching and the students in your classes. Get to know your supervisor/coordinator well. Not only can they help you with current issues in your teaching, but also they know and understand how the wider University functions, where to find things and who to ask.
Communicate with the Course Coordinator
In this video, Bernard talks about communicating with the course coordinator.
BERNARD Role of Course Coordinator
Talk to your peers and colleagues
Whether you meet them regularly or not, you are part of a community of teachers and researchers in your School who face similar issues and responsibilities. Take time to meet some of them at School meetings or informally. Good relationships with peers or a mentor can make life and teaching much more enjoyable. Seek out a "critical friend" or two, with whom you can discuss everyday issues you face and whom you can ask for advice.
Communicate with your Colleagues
In this video, Ben talks about communicating with your colleagues.
BEN Collegiality
Counselling
Maintaining a good balance between work, family and health is essential. Seek assistance if you need it. Visit the website for the University's Employee Assistance Program for information on the free professional, confidential counselling service that is available for employees and their immediate family.
The UNSW Counselling and Psychological Services provide many support resources on:
- Time management
- Stress management
- Procrastination
- Campus Care Program - Assisting Students at Risk
- Relaxation skills
- Secrets to succeeding at University.
If you have a non-English speaking background
The UNSW Institute of Languages runs the Workplace English Program, which can help you improve your English usage.
Look after your career
See our page on Professional Development
Equity and diversity concerns
See our Equity and Diversity page.