The Unsung Hours: How Many Hours Do Teachers Work Outside of the Classroom Each Week?

The oftenunsung efforts of teachers extend far beyond the traditional school hours, as many spend substantial amounts of time preparing for class, grading papers, and planning lessons. It’s important to examine the extent of these after-class responsibilities and their impact on the teaching profession. This article delves into the various factors that influence the workload of teachers outside of the classroom and shares the firsthand experiences of teachers in different subjects.

Factors Influencing Teacher Workload

The number of hours that teachers work outside of the classroom each week can vary significantly depending on a variety of factors, including the grade level they teach, their individual workload, and the school they work for. According to a 2018 report by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average amount of time that public school teachers spent on instructional and non-instructional activities outside of the classroom was about 12 hours per week. However, this figure can be considerably higher, reflecting the diverse tasks teachers perform.

Diverse Workload Across Different Subjects

Let’s explore the differing levels of workload through the perspectives of teachers in various subjects. For example, a high school English literature teacher might spend a tremendous amount of time grading papers. My sister-in-law, who was a high school English literature teacher, emphasized that grading could take a considerable amount of time. She stated, ‘Grading papers took a tremendous amount of time. ’

On the other hand, an art teacher had a different perspective. I spent my outside-of-class time mounting and labeling my students’ work for display in the building and at the art shows my district mandated, and creating new lesson plans to teach design concepts through various mediums. Unlike the traditional role of grading papers, art teachers often engage in hands-on activities with their students, preparing their work for display.

Grading and Additional Responsibilities

Another teacher, who taught music, reflected on the time-consuming nature of grading and additional responsibilities. She mentioned, ‘I never attempted to keep track. However, I do know that with 400 music students and spending 5 minutes to write a comment on each report card, no computerized software provided, it came out to over 33 unpaid evening and weekend hours three times a year. When I was sick and had to prepare for a substitute, it could take me five hours to prepare lessons for 10 classes.’ This highlights the significant time spent beyond the classroom on administrative tasks and lesson preparation.

Teacher Compensation and Additional Jobs

Compensation for teaching also affects the number of hours teachers work outside of the classroom. Historically, many teachers have needed extra income, often obtained through part-time jobs. My teachers at school weren’t paid enough and had to take part-time jobs to make ends meet, working about 20–25 hours a week. Some teachers even worked at retail stores like Walmart, McDonald’s, or gas stations to supplement their income. This additional work can consume a considerable amount of their time and energy.

Conclusion

Teachers play a vital role in education, and their responsibilities extend far beyond the classroom. The extended hours outside the classroom, including grading, lesson planning, and administrative tasks, highlight the demanding nature of the profession. Understanding the scope and impact of these hours is crucial for policymakers and stakeholders to recognize the immense value and dedication of teachers in our education system.

By acknowledging and addressing these issues, we can work towards creating a more sustainable and supportive environment for teachers, ultimately benefiting students and the entire educational community.