Simplify Any Classroom System and Reduce Overwhelm with the STAY Framework

Raise your hand if you’ve ever said, “This classroom system is draining me! I need to simplify.” A teacher friend recently commented on one of my posts, saying: “I need to work on simplifying things so I feel less stressed by the workload.” And honestly? SAME.

Simplifying doesn’t mean you’re doing less for your students. It means you’re doing less of the stuff that drains you—so you can do more of what matters.

This has been weighing heavily on my mind for the past few years, so I created a simple 4-question framework that I now run every classroom system, idea, and to-do list item through. It’s called the STAY Framework—because if a system helps you STAY in teaching, it’s probably a good one.

The STAY Framework – A quick-check to use for any classroom system

S — Supports Student Learning

Ask yourself: Does this directly benefit my students?

If it helps them grow, connect, or feel successful, it’s worth keeping.
If it’s mostly for aesthetics or admin points, give yourself permission to skip or simplify.

Example from my classroom: I used to create data binders for my third graders. I felt that it would be beneficial for students to track their own progress and that I could also use them for parent teacher conferences. Well…it was a classroom system that was just WAYYY too much to add into an already jam-packed day, and I found that my students needed a lot of support filling it out. So I was the one who ended up scrambling the Saturday before conferences trying to update all of the binders and get them ready. One time, I had two paras and myself working on them. I realized that these were just for aesthetics and they were not helping my students grow academically. Instead, I started quick data tracker sheets that I used during each unit. The purpose (clarity and focus) was still there—just simplified!

T — Time-Bound to Contract Hours

Ask yourself: Can I realistically do this classroom system during my contract time?

If not, it either needs to be simplified or put on pause.
Protecting your time is not lazy—it’s sustainable teaching.

Example from my classroom: I recently just started adding rotations in my Kindergarten classroom after totally ditching them for most of the school year. The way I have made this sustainable for me is choosing 4 skills that do not change, only activities that do not require a ton a prep, and only a small level of differentiation. This has allowed me to add in this classroom system again in a way that benefits students while staying true to my contract hours. You can read more about how I have run my Kindergarten Literacy Block here.

A — Automatable or Sustainable

Ask yourself: Can I set this up to run itself, or hand it off to students?

If the classroom system depends 100% on you to function, it’s going to wear you out.
Systems should support you, not need you.

Example from my classroom: I added classroom jobs for my third graders to help support me with my end of day routine. Think “chair stacker, mailbox checker, pencil sharpener, etc.” This saved me at least 10-15 minutes at the end of the day so I could leave at contract time.

Y — You Have the Bandwidth

Ask yourself: Do I have the physical, mental, or emotional energy to take this on right now?

Just because it’s a good idea doesn’t mean it’s the right time.
If you’re barely staying afloat, choose rest over reinvention.

Example from my classroom: I said no to helping with after school tutoring. I used to always participate at least for one cycle every year, but I just need to get home every night to be with my own kids. So saying no is a hard line that I’m not willing to cross.

Let What Matters STAY and Let Go of Any Classroom System that is Draining

If a classroom system or strategy supports students, fits in your time, runs itself (or almost), and doesn’t drain you—it gets to STAY.

Everything else? It’s okay to let it go.

And we aren’t going to let ourselves or anyone else make us feel guilty for it.

Want more practical tools for simplifying teaching? Grab my free download: “5 No-Prep Engagement Strategies” or come hang with me on Instagram or TikTok @katyhoffmanteaching for daily tips that help you do less better.