Documentation: What Every Teacher Needs to Know

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Show Notes:

There’s a moment every elementary teacher experiences - the one where a behavior repeats, a parent asks a question, or an administrator says, “Can you tell me when this started?”. Suddenly, you’re replaying weeks of memories in your head, wishing you had written it down. Documentation may not feel like teaching, but it’s one of the most powerful tools you have to protect your time, your students, and yourself.

Many teachers view documentation as an inconvenience or something that falls to the bottom of the priority list. In reality, it’s a habit that helps you see the bigger picture, identify patterns in student behavior, and safeguard your time and energy. In today’s episode, I’m sharing clear guidelines for documentation, along with practical ideas for creating a system that’s manageable and sustainable throughout the year.

Because documentation often isn’t top of mind, it can be hard to know what actually needs to be recorded. I walk through my must-haves when it comes to documenting student safety, learning, and behavior, and explain what’s truly essential for teachers to track. I also share six simple steps you can take to make documentation effective, efficient, and realistic to maintain. Strong documentation not only strengthens conversations with parents and administrators, but also protects you by creating a clear record of your professionalism and follow-through.

At the end of the day, documentation isn’t about creating more work. It’s about creating clarity. When you document behaviors, interventions, communication, and progress, you’re building a paper trail that supports your decisions and strengthens your voice. In a profession where so much happens at once, documentation becomes your anchor, which grounds your work in facts and helps you move forward with confidence.

Inside this week's show, you'll learn:

Why documentation should be viewed as a helpful tool rather than a burden for classroom teachers.
My golden rule for what teachers specifically need to track when it comes to documentation.
Four practical ways to make documentation manageable, with real-life examples.
Six simple steps for making documentation efficient, effective, and part of your daily routine.
Why the emotional side of documentation is just as important as the act of documenting itself.

Links & resources mentioned inside this episode:

I hope this information is helpful as you prepare for your first, second, or third year of teaching. Until next time, remember, just because you're a beginning elementary teacher, there's no need for you to struggle like one.

💛 Lori

Dr. Lori Friesen | Beginning Teacher Mentor

Creator of the R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy and The Classroom Management Club, Dr. Lori Friesen has mentored thousands of beginning teachers across the country through her workshops and courses. Host of the popular podcast Beginning Teacher Talk and author of Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do, Dr. Lori is dedicated to serving educators and inspiring learners. Learn more at drlorifriesen.com.

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