| f the problems teachers encounter is the love, and | | | | you have 100 year old dust gathered things no one will |
| often need, to collect books. Teachers have books on | | | | want. |
| everything from how to teach to just plain fun books. | | | | Set a Date & Pickup Time |
| But eventually they become outdated or you may quit | | | | When you go this route make sure you are clear on |
| teaching. You may even need to move or downsize | | | | when they can come and look. Arrange to have a set |
| your office. What do you do? How do you decide | | | | time and place (if you are not using your home) to get |
| what books will stay and what will go? You know you | | | | their books. You might want to have a time span say |
| are not going to be able to de-clutter, and distress, until | | | | of several hours. Allowing several hours will allow |
| you do but getting started seems like an | | | | some to come and browse when they can fit it into |
| insurmountable task. Here are some tips that can help | | | | their schedule. First come, first serve. |
| you do both - get rid of the stress created from clutter | | | | Ask the Librarian |
| and get rid of the clutter of too many books lying | | | | Ask the local school librarian if she is interested. If there |
| around. | | | | is a teaching college in your area, give them a call too. |
| Start With Your Students | | | | What they don't use themselves they can sell through |
| The most obvious place to start looking for a place to | | | | used book sales. You may even be able to get a tax |
| donate any excess books that you have is with your | | | | donation right off when you do this. Many new up and |
| students. Many students love to read, and those who | | | | coming teachers would be happy to have your |
| don't may be encouraged to read more if you give | | | | treasure trove of goodies and you will feel better |
| them some books to take home to keep. Ask your | | | | knowing they are put to good use. |
| students first if they would like to have a book or two. | | | | Be Proactive |
| Pass the Word | | | | Get the books out! Don't try to hand them out one at a |
| The very first thing you can do is let others know you | | | | time to people. Move them in large quantities. When |
| are cleaning out. Email all those teachers on your | | | | everyone has had their pick, then box up the rest |
| contact list, talk to them in school ask them to pass the | | | | immediately. Your life, and class, will be closer to |
| word to colleagues and even put up notices in the | | | | becoming clutter free and you will be able to move on |
| teacher's lounge. Let them know what you are getting | | | | towards your next goal. You do not want leftover |
| rid of - don't just say books. Perk interest by telling | | | | books or boxes sitting around. If worse comes to |
| what you have - great teaching resources, resources | | | | worse donate them to the local thrift store. |
| for new teachers - whatever it is. Don't let them think | | | | |