A Day in the Life of a Teacher
Written by:
Wilson College Online
• Jul 16, 2026
Teachers have the power to profoundly impact their students’ lives. In a 2023 poll that online language learning service Preply conducted, 77% of respondents said they thought about their favorite teachers at least once a year.
Teaching can be challenging but immensely rewarding, and individuals who are interested in teaching owe it to themselves to learn what a typical day in the life of a teacher entails.
For those who’ve been thinking about starting a career in teaching and enrolling in an education degree program , it can be helpful to explore the things that teachers do before, during, and after a typical school day.
What Does a Teacher Do Before School Starts?
While students generally start the school day with the first bell, teachers have already started preparing for the day before the bell rings. What does a teacher do before students come to class? Discovering the answer to that question can help aspiring teachers begin learning about working as an educator.
The things that teachers do before school can vary based on factors such as their position or whether they work for a private or public school . However, performing certain tasks before school starts can help any teacher lay the groundwork for a successful day. For example, many teachers:
- Devote time to reviewing lesson plans for the day, doing mental preparation, and taking notes that can serve as reminders to do certain things
- Arrange the classroom in preparation for the day’s activities
- Make copies and organize materials that students will use during the day
- Organize bulletin boards
- Write a plan for the day on the smart board so that students can know what to expect
- Develop strategies for managing potential behavioral issues
- Read and answer emails
Before class starts is also a good time for teachers to establish goals for the day, such as making a specified amount of progress in a learning unit.
Some teachers may have to attend staff meetings before school starts. These meetings can be an opportunity for them to share their ideas about teaching and get to know other school staff members, such as librarians and office staff.
Greeting students as they enter the classroom is also a great way to start the day, and some teachers of younger children may have duties related to helping with student drop-off in the morning.
An Average School Day Schedule
A teacher’s day intensifies when students enter the classroom. While each teacher’s school day can differ, a teacher’s daily schedule can include:
- Conducting a morning meeting with students. Particularly if they teach young children, teachers may choose to begin the day with a morning meeting. This is a time for students and teachers to discuss any information they’d like to share. To build a sense of connection within the classroom, the morning meeting can include a brief activity or a review of the teacher’s message for the day.
- Providing focused instruction. While some teachers may teach the same students all day, others may teach different groups of students throughout the day. Instruction can involve various activities, such as hands-on activities, group learning, or one-on-one teaching.
- Monitoring progress and making assignments. Evaluating students’ progress by administering quizzes and tests and assigning tasks such as homework, projects, or presentations is also an important part of a teacher’s day.
- Supervising lunch and recess. Some teachers may have oversight responsibilities during lunch and recess. This could entail playing games with students and supervising their behavior during lunch.
- Planning or preparing for instruction. Teachers can use their assigned planning or preparation periods for several purposes, such as researching a topic for a lesson, creating or adjusting lesson plans, grading tests and assignments, or communicating with parents.
Many of the activities discussed above can take place multiple times throughout a typical teacher’s day. While those activities are taking place, teachers are responsible for the following duties:
- Engaging with students
- Building relationships with students
- Recognizing students’ accomplishments
- Managing or correcting students’ behavior
- Offering students guidance and advice
After-School Teacher Responsibilities
After teachers dismiss students for the day, their work isn’t done. Many of the tasks that teachers do after school are similar to what they do before and during a school day, for example, sending and receiving emails, attending meetings, or communicating with students’ parents. Other responsibilities that teachers carry out after school include:
- Grading tests and assignments
- Cleaning and decluttering classrooms
- Adjusting and refining lesson plans
- Participating in school events and open houses
- Conducting recordkeeping
- Assisting with student pick-up
Many teachers also devote time after school to extracurricular activities such as sponsoring a club or coaching a sports team.
Time permitting, it’s also important for teachers to consider practicing self-care. For example, exercising, journaling, enjoying a hobby, or prioritizing sleep and good nutrition can help teachers recharge after a day in the classroom and feel ready for the days to come.
Learn More About Pursuing an Education Degree Program
A typical teacher’s day is filled with various responsibilities that focus on maximizing students’ educational experience as well as their growth and development. Teachers are the bedrock of our educational system, and the duties teachers perform can make a significant difference in their students’ lives.
If you’re interested in acquiring expertise in education, then explore Wilson College Online’s education programs to learn how they can help you reach your goals. For example, Wilson offers the following programs:
- Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education degree program that allows you to learn pedagogical strategies for teaching pre-K-4th graders
- Master of Education degree program that offers advanced knowledge and skills in educational strategies and technologies
Featuring asynchronous course delivery, each of these programs offers individuals the opportunity to earn degrees at their own pace. Start working to reach your goals in education today.
Recommended Readings
5 Ideas for Teacher Appreciation Week
Should Teachers Use Smart Boards in the Classroom?
Understanding the Needs of Diverse Learners in the Classroom
Sources:
EBSCO, Secondary and Middle School Teacher
Education Elements, “A Day in the Life of a Teacher: All The Things Teachers Do”
Edutopia, “Gathering With Intention to Maximize Staff Meetings”
<a class=“text-primary” href=“ https://ftcetest.org/day-in-life-of-elementary-school-teacher/"target="_blank" rel=“noopener noreferrer”>, A Day in the Life of an Elementary School Teacher
Indeed, Teacher Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications
National Science Teaching Association, Middle School Teacher Overview
Preply, “Study Explores the Characteristics of Influential Teachers”
Responsive Classroom, What Is Morning Meeting?
