Too little time for too many tasks

Time management as a strategy for school principles

Abstract

In the daily routine of schools, time is becoming an increasingly scarce resource. Acceleration, administrative consolidation and growing demands mean that teachers and school principals experience time not only as an objective factor, but also as a subjective burden. This article explores the psychological mechanisms that can contribute to time being experienced not only as a limiting factor, but also as a resource that can be actively shaped in school leadership. Theoretically, an interdisciplinary approach is taken. Empirically, the article is based on a qualitative study at a school in Baden-Württemberg (Germany). Teachers describe the simultaneity and unpredictability of school requirements as a major burden and wish for more control over their time. Finally, approaches for time-sensitive school leadership are discussed.