Many students see teachers walk into a classroom, deliver a lesson and leave when the period is over.
What they often don’t see is the work that happens before that lesson begins.
Behind every classroom session is preparation, planning and effort that may go unnoticed. As the world celebrates Teachers’ Day, here are five things many teachers do before they even begin teaching.
Prepare Lessons and Teaching Materials
Before entering the classroom, many teachers spend time planning what they will teach and how they will teach it.
This may involve writing lesson notes, preparing examples, selecting teaching aids and deciding the best way to explain a topic to learners.
Review Previous Lessons
Good teaching is not always about starting a new topic. Teachers often revisit previous lessons to check students’ understanding and identify areas that may require further explanation.
This helps them connect new knowledge with what students have already learnt.
Mark Assignments and Assessments
Many teachers spend hours marking assignments, classwork, projects and tests.
These assessments help them understand how well students are learning and where additional support may be needed.
Update Records and Academic Documentation
Teaching involves more than classroom instruction.
Teachers often keep attendance records, update students’ scores, prepare reports and complete other administrative tasks required by schools and education authorities.
Think About Their Students
Many teachers spend time considering the needs of different learners.
Some students may require extra support, while others may need additional challenges to keep them engaged. Planning for different learning needs is an important part of effective teaching.
Teaching is often viewed through the lens of what happens during a lesson. However, much of a teacher’s work takes place before the first student raises a hand or answers a question.
That is one reason many educators say teaching is not simply a job of standing in front of a class. It involves preparation, patience, organisation and a commitment to helping others learn.
As we celebrate World Teachers’ Day, it is worth remembering that teachers are not robots. Behind every lesson is a person investing time and effort to help students succeed.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.