Is this Myth true???

Do you spend an insane amount of time outside of the classroom (namely, at home on the weekends) preparing lessons and grading work etc.?

I imagine there is some work that needs done outside the classroom but does it take over your life?

Re: Is this Myth true???

I taught JH and HS English for 11 years and I never spent an insane amount of time outside of school doing work.

During certain periods sure: midterm/finals week, research paper collection time, etc., but overall, no. Also after a couple of years teaching you'll have all of your core plans and such and you'll probably only need to tweak those year after year.

Once I had my daughter, I spent virtually NO time doing stuff at home. I also got to work at 6:20am on a daily basis (even before having kids) which I prefer to bringing work home--that part is really up to you though.

Re: Is this Myth true???

It definitely can if you let it.

My first year I literally had NO free time in my life... I was constantly planning lessons and grading... it was never ending. I had no life until June came.

But for me, it's not like that anymore... I do minimal planning since I've taught both subjects before already... and I simplified my grading system to take as little time as possible (although looking over hw's and labs for my 5 classes can still take over an entire weekend afternoon). There are weeks where I bring no work home at all.

So everyone is different... but most teachers have to take home at least a little bit of work with them, at least every now and then (like close to report card time!)

Re: Is this Myth true???

It wasn't insane and didn't completely consume my life, but there certainly was take-home work and preparation that occurred during my "off hours". I was teaching at the elementary level, so it may be different for upper grades, but there were things that had to be done that you just can't do while the students are in the room, so it was either take it home with me and do it there, or stay in my classroom for a few extra hours. I preferred to be at home. The first year was the most time-consuming, but it got easier as I got used to it and was able to figure out a more efficient routine.

Re: Is this Myth true???

the first year yes...

it also depends on the subject/grade

I try to take nothing home with me. I also make it a policy in HS that I don't assign HW on the weekend or holidays, so don't expect that i have done any grading over the weekends or holidays.

Re: Is this Myth true???

It can if you let it... especially as a new teacher.

Re: Is this Myth true???

The first year, yes. Especially if you have more than one prep. After the first year you have a grasp on how to plan and how to use your time wisely.

Re: Is this Myth true???

As a first and even second year social studies teacher I did a lot of work at home. Honestly, almost every night and part of every weekend I planned, created tests, etc.

Now after 10 years I will only occasionally do work at home.

Re: Is this Myth true???

I am a first year teacher and found that the first half of the year I was doing A TON of work after school! I was either staying in the building until 6 or 7 OR taking hours of work home with me!


I decided over the December break that I need to manage my time better and get my life back. Now, I have learned to prioritize and I am much happier. I tried taking the advice on someone on here who suggested that locking the classroom door at the end of the day should symbolize locking your school stress in the room and not taking it home with you.

I have been doing this the last 3 weeks. Occasionally I have nights with a lot to do, but I don't stress out over anything that doesn't need to be done the very next day (or 2 days). School stress is just NOT worth a heart attack before 30 lol

You will realize the job has its ups and downs but u get into a routine and deal with it. Time management is key.

Re: Is this Myth true???

I've always had at least three preps (and teach two different subject areas) so I find that I do prep outside. Now that I'm on my eighth year, I don't take as much work home, but in the beginning I was at work early, stayed late, and worked at home a lot as well. I think it depends on what materials are available to you, how strict the curriculum is, and how strict your school is. I have basically had freedom of curriculum which has been great for me, but causes a lot more work that say using a textbook and workbook activities.

It's just in my personality to overwork, so I might not be the best example. I'd say in general, the first few years are the most labor intensive.

Re: Is this Myth true???

First year teacher.

I have NO life. AT ALL.

Hoping next year is easier!!!

But please let me tell you - your first year - if you are diligent and plan well, you WILL be consumed. If you aren't I'll buy you a beer....hell, I'll buy you a six pack.

Re: Is this Myth true???

I rarely bring things home with me to do. I make sure I do what I have to do at work. I don't get paid to work from home so I don't. I would rather spend it with my kids.

I use my prep and lunch to the fullest.

Re: Is this Myth true???

i just wanted to add this is my 3rd year teaching...2 in my current school so I am relatively new.

I did this last year also, I never brought home work to do.

Re: Is this Myth true???

the myth was true my first few years teaching... instead of taking it home, i stayed at school and was usually there til 6 -7 PM everyday my first three years. now, i am out by 4, with the odd day or two i will stay late just to clean and catch up on loose ends. teaching is by NO means a 9-3 job.... the first years are the hardest as you create and glean materials, but it gets easier and you learn what works and what doesn't work and what is important to spend time on and what is not.

Re: Is this Myth true???

It is true but with time and experience you'll fall into routine and get the important things done during school hours.

Re: Is this Myth true???

When I first started teaching YES this happened-then I realized to manage my time better and got everything done at work and now take nothing home and it's great.

It also helps that this is my second year on 4th grade and know the curriculum.

Re: Is this Myth true???

I am the wrong person to ask because I get SO little accomplished during my off periods. I always find things I have to do that I can only do IN school. But I have become a PRO at procrastination (i.e. what I'm doing RIGHT NOW. ), so I don't work all the time outside of school... although I probably should...

(I do agree with what everyone else said about planning getting easier as you go along, though. This is my 9th year teaching HS English, and I really spend very little time at home planning. I do most of THAT at school. It's the grading that takes over my life at home.)

Re: Is this Myth true???

I spend a good amount of time. This is my 10th yr teaching and it doesnt get easier. I always want to make my lessons better. I grade ALOT and spend time online looking for ideas and learning more about my subject.

And i dont leave work before 3:30-4:00 any given day (kids leave at 2:40). I also work thru my lunch.

This job requires more than people realize. At least, in order to be good and effective. You can easliy do a half-@ss job but i cant do that. I have zero respect for the people who run out the door w/ the kids and bring nothing home on the wkd.

Message edited 1/21/2009 8:53:36 PM.

Re: Is this Myth true???

Re: Is this Myth true???

This is my third year teaching and the good news is that it does get easier.

My first year I did a lot of planning outside of school, but never brought grading home. My cooperating teacher made a point to advise me to try my best to leave all grading at school and so far I have been successful with this. I also find it helpful to use my preps constructively. I don;t mind chit chatting if I have time, but if I have lots to do I will refrain.

Now into my third year, I still do planning at home (I have a new prep this year), but it is definitely less than it was my first year and next year I will only really have tweaking to do.

Re: Is this Myth true???

Until this year I used to bring work home. Now with 2 kids and a husband that works nights nothing gets done though it comes home (There have been a couple nights I have gotten stuff done but it's rare right now) so I stay late (almost 1 -2 EVERY day to get things done and I work through every off period.
13 years into it and 10 new curriculums I have yet had the opportunity to sit back and reuse reuse reuse

In my case it was very true before this year. The only day I did NO work was Sat

Re: Is this Myth true???

So if I am on top of things....I should be ok but expect to sometimes take some of my own time for school work.


Thank You for your realistic views and opinions! I appreciate everything you do for me!

Re: Is this Myth true???

The opposite was true for me. As I became a better teacher with more experience, I started taking more and more work home with me.

But you do become more effective over time as you develop your management systems for grading, lesson planning, research etc.

Hang in there!

Re: Is this Myth true???

I have to say time management is important in getting what you want done during school hours. I use preps and lunch to plan, grade, make extra copies etc etc...I don't stop moving!

Example, This week we are doing assessments in all subject levels, I have have to grade multiple tests plus I have 2 grade levels. I've learned to plan so well ahead time to get these things done I only have to grade the last test they are getting tomorrow. when SMACK, I was told report cards are due monday...way to give me notice . Well Today i thought what the hell I don't want to spend my weekend unexpectantly doing this!!! (I'm not though, I will spend an hour or 2 after work at my desk finishing report cards)

Its all about how you use your time. I find that I leave things that can be done at school there. otherwise it'll sit at home staring at me all weekend making me feel miserable since im a procrastinator!

Sorry for the ramble, but I hope it was insightful.