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A fun team building activity for teachers.
10–15 min
Ideas to Give Your Staff More Time
Practical ideas to give teachers extra planning time.
Alissa Christensen
Extra planning time is one of the most requested supports from school staff. This resource gives school leaders seven practical ways to create more breathing room during the day, the week, or the month. Pick the idea that fits your team and your schedule.
Why try it
Extra time is one of the most concrete forms of support a school leader can offer. When staff have more space to plan and collaborate, morale goes up and so does the quality of their work. These ideas range from low-lift to more coordinated efforts, so there is something here for most school contexts.
Instructions
1
Pick an idea and plan the logistics
Read through the seven variations below and choose one that works with your current schedule, staffing, and resources. Once you have picked an approach, map out the details: who covers, when it happens, how staff sign up or get notified, and how often you can realistically repeat it.
2
Tell your staff and follow through
Let staff know what is coming and why. A quick mention at a staff meeting or a short email is enough. Be direct about what they will get and when. Then deliver on it, and plan a regular cadence so extra time becomes a consistent part of how your school supports its team.
Activity variations
Adapt to fit your school's vibe, budget, and setting.
Collaborative assemblies
Host a school-wide assembly, enrichment program, or student event that keeps students engaged for a set block of time. Use that window to give teachers uninterrupted planning or collaboration time.
Co-teaching coverage
Set up a co-teaching schedule where two teachers share a class for a period, allowing the non-lead teacher to step away and plan. Run it once a month or once a quarter.
Time bank
Create a system where teachers earn minutes by attending optional after-school commitments or meetings. Let them bank those minutes and redeem them later for extended prep time or early dismissal.
Substitute coverage
Bring in a substitute to cover a classroom for a period so the teacher gets extra prep time. Rotate through staff once a quarter or semester and have a 30-minute activity ready for the sub to lead.
Student reward blocks
Set a school-wide student goal tied to attendance, behavior, or compliments. When the goal is met, reward students with a movie, outdoor activity, or dance party while teachers get 20 to 30 minutes of uninterrupted planning time.
Time coupons
Give staff coupons redeemable for extra planning time or early departure. Tie them to a shoutout board, a monthly staff competition, or simply hand them out as a recognition gesture.
Staff meeting release
End your staff meeting 10 to 15 minutes early and let teachers use that time however they need: planning in their room, wrapping up tasks, or heading home. Do it regularly rather than as a one-time surprise.
Go deeper
Additional tips for running this resource.
Leader Tip #1
Start small
Pick the lowest-lift idea first to build the habit. Even a short meeting release signals that staff time matters.
Leader Tip #2
Rotate who benefits
Track participation so the same people are not always missing out. A simple sign-up sheet or rotation schedule keeps things fair.
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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