What are the typical hours and days like for high school teachers?

I'm weighing my options about becoming a high school teacher and want to understand what the job description entails in terms of hours and days. Do teachers get a good amount of time off, and how does this balance with work demands?

High school teaching schedules usually align with that of the school's operating hours, generally spanning from the early morning (around 7-8 AM) until the mid or late afternoon (around 3-4 PM). Keep in mind that this does not take into account that a lot of teachers get to school early or stay late to prepare for lessons, grade assignments, set up classrooms and sometimes provide additional help to students.

So, while the 'school hours' might only be 7 to 8 hours long, the actual workday can stretch beyond this quite frequently. It's also worth noting that the calendar year for a teacher is typically around 10 months, with two months off in the summer. However, the 'time off' might not always be truly off as this is often when lesson planning for the next academic year or professional development is performed. Additionally, most school districts also have allocated vacation times throughout the school year, including winter and spring breaks.

An interesting element of the profession is weekends and evenings. Due to the nature of the job, teachers often find themselves grading assignments, planning lessons, and responding to emails outside regular school hours. The time commitment can be considerable, particularly during certain periods, like report card time or parent-teacher conferences.

To balance these demands, schools often offer resources and supports such as prep times built into school schedules, access to professional development resources, collaboration time with colleagues, and access to digital tools for curriculum planning and student assessment. For example, a school might incorporate an hour or two into the schedule every week where teachers can plan their lessons, grade assignments, or collaborate with other teachers.

In conclusion, while teaching can certainly be demanding, it also provides a unique set of rewards and a fairly balanced work-life schedule compared to certain other professions. It's a career that requires dedication and passion but in turn provides the opportunity to make a significant difference in students' lives.