The True Workday of Teachers: A Deeper Look into Post-School Hours
When we think of teachers, the image of them standing in front of the classroom teaching for a few hours a day often comes to mind. But the truth is far more complex. Teachers work much beyond the school day, and their contributions extend well beyond the classroom walls. This article delves into the often-overlooked grunt work and preparation that teachers do, shedding light on the true scope of their workday.
The Workload of Elementary Teachers
For elementary teachers, the work doesn't just end when the last child leaves the classroom. Creating a special and engaging environment in the classroom alone can consume significant time and energy. Beyond that, they spend considerable time preparing materials, grading assignments, and sometimes even attending to special tasks like reviewing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). According to anecdotal evidence, my sister, a special education teacher, spent relatively little time working after school. Her primary commitments were reviewing and revising IEPs a couple of times a year, but her workload at home was minimal. In contrast, a friend who taught third-grade spent three to four hours each night on extra school work, including grading and preparing lessons.
High School Teachers: A Different Landscape
High school teachers face a different set of challenges. Some, like physical education teachers, don’t have substantial work to take home. However, most other subjects require a significant amount of effort outside the classroom. For example, a foreign language teacher I know spent three to five hours each night reviewing and preparing student assignments. English, math, social studies, and science teachers might put in two to five hours each night, depending on the tasks at hand, such as grading, preparing lessons, and planning. Another shop teacher I knew left the school within two to three hours after the students went home, but he spent significant time checking work, preparing materials, and repairing machinery.
The Unseen Side of Being a Teacher
Teachers often work on weekends and in the evenings, with many dedicating substantial hours to after-school duties such as grading homework, preparing lesson plans, and engaging in educational planning. According to our daughter, who taught elementary grades, she had no time for herself, working rigorously for just five years before she needed to reassess and move on to other pursuits.
Paid and Unpaid Labor: The Challenge of Teaching
Teachers are often seen as underappreciated and underpaid. The work they do extends well beyond the contracted hours, and the financial compensation often doesn't reflect the extensive time and effort spent. Our experience shows that the hours are demanding, with many teachers finding it challenging to balance professional and personal lives. Furthermore, the work intensity has increased over the years, and the rewards in terms of remuneration have not kept pace.
A Day in the Life of a Schoolteacher
A typical school day for many teachers begins early, often before the students. For example, a teacher needs to be at the classroom by 7:15 am and is usually in by 6:30 am. After-school hours usually run until 3:30 to 4:00 pm, with many teachers continuing to work well beyond this. On weekends, the work can be even more intensive, with teachers dedicating an average of 6 to 8 hours to school work, mostly on Sunday. This work includes grading, lesson planning, and other school-related tasks. The uncompensated nature of this work often means that teachers see their efforts as a commitment beyond standard employment hours.
Conclusion
The work of teachers is not just limited to the classroom. Their dedication to their students and their profession demands considerable time and effort both in and out of school hours. Recognizing and valuing this work is crucial for ensuring that teachers can continue to provide high-quality education to our children.