Set aside the time for grading and planning and stick to it. Prep time can easily be used for a million other things during a school day. Think about it, you walk to your mailbox, start chatting with a colleague, run to the nurse to check on that student and by the time you return, there’s no time left for grading and planning! Set your schedule and stick to it. Check your mailbox when you leave, and just send an email about your student at the nurse, saving you time! Now chatting with colleagues is super important, but try to save it for your lunch break!
To save yourself time, break down the time you have to be efficient with grading, planning, returning phone calls and emails, and try to avoid scrolling social media or online shopping (I know that is hard sometimes!) Getting all of your grading and planning done at work while you are at work, saves you time at home for friends and family hobbies!