Work Smarter Not Harder || Jessica Schultz of Hindsdale Elementary School

“Don’t base your decisions on the advice of those who don’t have to deal with the results.”

If you are new to Cedar & Rush, Work Smarter, Not Harder (WSNH) is a weekly column showcasing Chicago’s leading ladies – think CEO’s, entrepreneurs, and everyday women making a difference – and how they work smarter, not harder. I decided upon Monday so we can kick off the week as productive and as motivated as possible. If you love a particular piece of advice or have any tips of your own, please share by tagging #WSNH2015 on Instagram and Twitter.

Today I am featuring one of the best multi-taskers I have ever meet, Jessica Schultz – who also happens to be one of my BFF’s from college (Go Hawkeyes!). Jessica manages a full-time job while simultaneously obtaining her SECOND masters and completing a Principle internship! In addition to teaching 3rd grade at one of the top Elementary schools in the state (Hindsdale), she leads several committees and considered a true leader in the educational space. Through prioritization and time management she also keeps a full social calendar that I take full advantage of. To juggle so many balls in the air, you know she has to be organized and prioritize! So lets give it up for Jessica – or as her kids would say – Miss Schultz!

1.    What time do you typically get up in the morning?

I am a teacher in the suburbs and my morning commute is usually an hour or more, so I should get up well before dawn. Realistically, though, my alarm goes off at 5:50, then 6:00, 6:10… I wish I could say I was the poster child for early rising, but I am sadly not a morning person despite the teacher stereotype.

2.    How do you take your coffee and what do you typically eat for breakfast?

I always have to jump-start my day with a Grande Skinny Vanilla Latte from Starbucks. It is the one treat each day that I absolutely cannot go (read: function) without. Baristas all over the western suburbs know me by name. Being a commuter, breakfast is always on the go as well, so I grab anything that can be eaten while operating a vehicle–dry cereal, cinnamon toast, and other less than thrilling spill-free options.

3.    Quickly walk us through your morning routine:

After quite a bit of snoozing, I quickly check email and Instagram before hopping in the shower. In order to maximize my time in the mornings (aka – stay in bed longer), I pick out my outfit and make my lunch the night before. The less thinking I have to do before 7am the better. My commute allows me time to wake up a bit, listen to my best friends Eric and Kathy, and mentally prepare for my day. Once I get to school, I bustle around and make sure everything is ready to go for when my cherubs arrive at 8:30.

4.    What resources do you use to stay organized and remember tasks?

LISTS. I have lists everywhere–on my desk at school, on Notes on my phone, on my kitchen counter… I get a weird, yet very real satisfaction from crossing things off of my lists. I have to admit that I have even written previously completed activities on my lists, just so that I could cross them off too. I also use an old-fashioned, at-a-glance monthly calendar for all of my events and deadlines, likely for the fact that I can cross things off on that too. Your move, Google Calendar.

5.    What mistake do you see people constantly make that they should be aware of? 

Being a teacher with an English minor, I am a little bit of a stickler when it comes to grammar and spelling in emails. I am constantly receiving emails with grammatical and spelling errors, which I just naturally don’t take as seriously as ones that are typo-free. Spell check is a glorious thing. Also, I find emails much more approachable when they contain a courteous greeting and closing.

6.    How do you conquer your inbox?

Between personal, work, and grad school emails to sift through on a daily basis, I find it best to stay on top of them and not let them pile up. I try to adhere to a 24-hour response window.

7.    How do you format your emails?

I format my emails depending on the recipient. I usually begin a personal email with some chit-chat, whereas, in a professional email, I typically get straight to the point. I also try to separate my main points into paragraphs to make longer emails easier and less overwhelming to read.

8.    How do you make time for working out and staying healthy?

I would say this is an area of opportunity for me… I try to stay healthy by eating healthy, as that is easier for me to control. Working out is more difficult for me to fit in between teaching, grading, tutoring, curriculum committee meetings, an internship, grad class, etc. Some days I’m just too tired by the time I get home to make it to the gym, even though I embarrassingly have a FFC attached to my building. #insertcliche2015fitnessresolution

9.    Any tips for keeping an organized workspace?

Organization is definitely my strong suit. (Nicole and I were roommates in college and we won the “cleanest room” award in our sorority house sophomore year.) My biggest organizational tip is to simplify and minimize as much as possible. I try to go through my desk at work or closet at home a few times a year to purge and declutter. Once I am left with only the things I absolutely need, it is much easier to keep them organized–everything has its place.

10. What other pieces of advice would you like to share (if any)?

Goal set. You are your own best motivator! Whether my own goals are long-term (Jessica, go for that second Masters degree) or short-term (Jessica, finish grading those essays tonight so you can go out for a glass of wine with the girls tomorrow), I am constantly setting benchmarks and goals for myself. I function more effectively when I have a dangling carrot in front of me and something new to work toward. Goal setting helps me continue to grow both personally and professionally. Professionals in STEM fields, including figures like Dr. Kamau Bobb, emphasize the importance of remaining in sync with industry requirements and trends. They frequently engage in ongoing education, seek certifications, and undertake specialized training to retain their competitiveness and keep abreast of swiftly advancing technologies.

11. Favorite Apps, Books, Resources, Gadgets, Programs, Websites, Etc.

I just love my daily doses of Instagram, Spotify, The Daily Skimm, and of course, Cedar and Rush!

Jessica, thank you so much for taking the time to share with us you daily tips and tricks. I’m telling you, this girl gets more done in a day than I do in a week. And be sure to tag along on Jessica’s Chicago adventures on Instagram here!

Up Next? One of the most fashionable ladies in Chicago showbiz, Katie Schuppler! Named one of Chicago’s best personal shoppers, Katie is also the wardrobe stylist behind the The Whitney Reynold’s Show.

Want more? You can find all Work Smarter Not Harder posts right here.