What does a teacher actually do?

I've always admired my teachers and am wondering what the full scope of their job is. What are the day-to-day responsibilities of a teacher, and what should someone think about before deciding to pursue teaching as a career?

A teacher's role extends well beyond the classroom instruction that is most often associated with their job. While delivering lessons to the students is certainly a vital responsibility, many other elements form the day-to-day work life of a teacher.

Firstly, planning and preparation make up a large portion of a teacher’s duties. This involves creating lesson plans, preparing materials, and designing assessments in line with the school's curriculum and state or national standards.

Beyond the classrooms, teachers interact and collaborate with colleagues, school administrators, and parents. They partake in teacher meetings, parent-teacher conferences, and professional development sessions. Collaboration can also often involve contributing to or leading school-wide initiatives or committees.

Another significant part of a teacher's job is grading and providing feedback on student work. Assessments could encompass a wide range of materials such as tests, quizzes, essays, projects, and presentations. Sound feedback is essential for students to understand their strengths and areas for improvement.

Monitoring student progress is also crucial. Teachers integrate a wide range of assessments, formal and informal, to understand a student's progress. If students struggle academically or behaviorally, teachers often play a vital role in developing and enforcing an intervention or adjustment plan.

Finally, teachers also have a pastoral role to play. They provide support, encouragement, and guidance to students which go beyond academic progress. Handling disciplinary issues, fostering a positive and collaborative classroom culture and nurturing character development among students are integral to a teacher's role.

However, before pursuing a teaching career, some considerations may include:

1. Are you comfortable with public speaking and managing a group?

2. Are you patient and empathetic? Teaching involves working with students who have a vast range of abilities and needs.

3. Are you ready to continuously learn and improve your skills? Teaching is a profession that evolves and requires continuous professional development.

4. Are you prepared for the workload associated with grading, paperwork, and ongoing planning?

These are just some considerations and facets of a teaching role. It's a rewarding but demanding profession, and it's essential to reflect on these elements before making a decision.