Classroom Walkthrough Tips for School Leaders
A guide to making quick, 5-10 minute classroom walkthroughs count.
5-10 min
The Streamline & Simplify System
Practical first year principal tips to simplify daily duties.
Alissa Christensen
A set of simple systems that help school leaders manage daily duties with more clarity. Cover communication, prioritizing tasks, time blocking, delegation, and meetings so the day feels more manageable.
Why try it
Bring more clarity and calm to a busy school day with a few intentional systems. A clear routine for communication, prioritizing, and delegating removes small decisions from your day and frees up time for the work that matters most: supporting teachers and guiding students.
What's included
Browse the printables included with this resource.
Instructions
1
Pick one system to start with
Choose one area to focus on first, such as communication, prioritizing tasks, or delegation.
2
Set up your tools
Print the included Responsibility Matrix and 1-3-5 To-Do List, or set up your chosen communication platform.
3
Build it into your routine
Add the system to your daily or weekly schedule so it becomes a consistent habit rather than a one-time change.
4
Add another system
Once the first system feels automatic, layer in a second one from the list below.
Activity variations
Adapt to fit your school's vibe, budget, and setting.
Daily communication update
Send a short memo to staff before the school day begins with key updates, reminders, schedule changes, and one positive highlight. Use a school communication platform to send family messages, collect forms, or manage payments in one place.
Responsibility Matrix sort
Use the included Responsibility Matrix to sort tasks into four categories: urgent and important (do), important but not urgent (schedule), urgent but not important (delegate), and neither (delay).
Protected time blocks
Set aside calendar blocks for walkthroughs, administrative tasks, staff meetings, and planning. Even 30 minutes a week of protected planning time keeps this work from getting pushed aside.
Project breakdown
Split big projects like events or evaluations into smaller action steps such as confirming a date, reserving a space, and coordinating staff responsibilities.
Delegated tasks
Shift non-instructional tasks to administrative assistants, assistant principals, office staff, or instructional coaches. Invite teachers to lead a committee or project.
Streamlined meetings
Share a clear agenda in advance and keep meetings focused on the planned topics. Build in time for staff discussion or problem-solving instead of a long sit-and-get format.
1-3-5 rule
Fill out the included 1-3-5 To-Do List each day: one big task, three medium tasks, and five small tasks.
Go deeper
Additional tips for running this resource.
Leader Tip #1
Set email windows
Pick two or three set times to check email instead of checking all day. Answer anything under three minutes right away and save longer replies for your next window.
Leader Tip #2
Build in buffer time
Leave small gaps in your schedule for student issues, parent calls, or last-minute needs.
Built by Educators, for School Leaders
This resource was created in collaboration with passionate educators and school leaders who believe in the power of intentional connection.
Alissa Christensen
Head of Customer Success
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