How Much Time Do Teachers Spend on Lesson Planning and Grading Beyond School Hours?
The question of how much time teachers dedicate to lesson planning and grading outside of their work hours is a critical aspect of understanding the workload and dedication required for quality education. This article delves into the time-consuming nature of these tasks and provides insights based on personal experiences and observations.
The Intensive Nature of Lesson Planning
Teachers often spend significant time preparing lessons, particularly in subjects like science where detailed preparations for lab experiments are essential. Taking the case of a science teacher, who spent a considerable amount of time planning and preparing lessons for 39 years, the dedication to their craft becomes evident.
According to this teacher, who plans and grades outside of school, the process of lesson planning involves about an hour each day per lesson. This includes creating slides and student handouts/worksheets. Grading assignments, on the other hand, requires approximately two hours per assignment. This intensive preparation ensures that the lessons are comprehensive, engaging, and tailored to the specific needs of the students.
Time Management and Workload
With six classes a day, split into two sections each, the teacher had to prepare three lessons daily. Planning periods and lunch breaks were also used for these tasks. These extra hours are crucial for the quality of education provided. However, there are instances where these planning periods may be compromised due to the need for substitute teachers.
The teacher's weekly schedule included a one-hour department meeting and a 90-minute staff meeting. Additionally, supervising a business club required staying at school for extra hours. Despite these commitments, the teacher consistently spent between 3 to 6 hours daily on planning and grading.
Adaptive Teaching and Innovation
The teacher also mentions that the amount of time spent on these tasks can vary. If pre-made lesson plans, tests, and materials are available online, the workload can be somewhat reduced. Still, creating or modifying these resources to meet the specific needs of the students ensures a higher level of engagement and learning.
Teachers like the science teacher discussed here, often go beyond the call of duty. They arrive early in the morning to prepare, stay late to grade, and frequently put in extra hours preparing lessons and supporting extracurricular activities. It is not uncommon for such teachers to spend 3 to 6 hours daily on these tasks.
A Personal Perspective: My Wife the Teacher
The personal experience of the author's wife, who spent 23 years as a first-grade teacher, further emphasizes the dedication required. Her typical workday began at 6:30 am to prepare for the school day, which ended at 3 pm. Even after school, she stayed until 5 pm to complete additional work. She often continued to work on lessons after dinner.
Despite the demanding work, she remained an outstanding teacher and was recognized as Teacher of the Year multiple times. She was consistently requested by parents and beloved by her students. Even years after her retirement, teachers and students continue to express gratitude for the impact she had on their lives.
One example is a student who received a letter from a teacher she had 20 years ago. The student, now earning a master’s degree in education, expressed deep appreciation for the preparation she received and the influence her teacher had on her life. This anecdote underscores the long-lasting impact of dedicated teachers and their continuous efforts beyond the official school day.
In conclusion, teachers dedicate a substantial amount of time outside of their assigned hours to lesson planning and grading. This exemplifies the commitment and hard work necessary for providing quality education. Understanding and recognizing the efforts of educators is crucial for supporting and improving the educational system.