#59 How to Have Enough Time for What Matters with Miles Madison

In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth Fleischauer welcomes Miles Madison, an expert in literacy, SEL, and character education, to tackle a universal teacher struggle: the feeling of never having enough time.

Pain Point:

Teachers everywhere say, “There’s just not enough time.” But what if the issue isn’t time itself, but how it’s structured, prioritized, and used? Too many educators are caught in cycles of inefficiency—over-planning, managing classroom disruptions, or doing tasks for students that could be built into routines. Without strong organizational systems, clear routines, and structured collaboration, learning time gets lost.

Solution:

Miles introduces a three-pillar framework that reclaims time without sacrificing engagement:

1. Organizational Management – Optimize classroom space and daily schedules for smoother transitions and fewer distractions.

2. Routines & Rituals – Automate repetitive tasks so students can self-manage, freeing teachers to focus on deeper instruction.

3. Collaborative Learning – Teach explicit teamwork skills to reduce student dependence on teacher intervention.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Instead of saying “I don’t have time,” ask: “What am I prioritizing?”

• Invest time upfront in systems and routines that save time later.

• Recognize that SEL, literacy, and global learning aren’t “extras”—they integrate naturally when systems are in place.

Episode Links:

• EffectiveClassrooms.org

• Erin Kent Consulting: https://erinkentconsulting.com/

Host Links:

• Follow Make It Mindful for more episodes.

• Learn more about global learning with Banyan Global Learning.

If you’re ready to take back control of your teaching time, this episode is packed with practical, real-world strategies you can apply today!