Main Responsibilities of a Teacher at Fullerton High School District
A typical day for this high school science teacher begins early, with preparation time described as "the most productive" part of the day before a busy schedule of teaching five periods and advising two clubs. After school, the teacher also fulfills academic coaching duties, providing tutoring and supervision until 5:00 PM, showcasing a commitment extending far beyond the classroom, where "every day is so different, it flies by. It's fun, but it is exhausting."
Classroom Management, Student Interaction, Time Management, Extracurricular Involvement, Work-Life Balance
Advizer Information
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Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
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Dorothy Kim
Teacher
FJUHSD
UCSD
CSUF Teaching Credential
Biology & Related Sciences, History, Art History
Education
Education
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Greek Life Member, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. A high school science teacher's day starts early, around 6:00 AM, to prepare for the school day which begins between 7:30 AM and 8:00 AM.
2. The teacher utilizes a dedicated prep period to create and organize lesson plans, prepare materials, and manage emails.
3. Beyond teaching, the teacher advises school clubs, and provides academic coaching and tutoring, often staying late to supervise students whose parents work late hours, demonstrating a commitment beyond the typical school day.
Transcript
What does a day in the life of a high school science teacher look like?
My day starts around 6:00 AM. I wake up and get ready for school, arriving by 7:30 AM or 8:00 AM at the latest, as that's when my contract hours begin.
There are six periods in the school day. I teach five of those periods and have one prep period. During my prep time, I can make copies, prepare lesson slides, and send emails.
I'm fortunate that my first period is my prep time, as that's when I'm most productive. I'm not exhausted yet and spend about two hours preparing for the day.
When I'm teaching, I always stand outside the door to greet my students as they enter. This allows me to quickly gauge their mood and needs. I can tell if they need extra attention, if I should check in with them, or if they just need to be left alone.
Each class period is 50 minutes long. During lunchtime, I advise two clubs. On Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays, I help students with the Master Thinking Club, where they often need projection for lessons and practice problems.
I also advise the Books with Movies Club, where we read books and watch their corresponding movies. These are my responsibilities during lunch.
After school on Mondays, I work as an academic coach for an hour and a half. I tutor students, provide snacks or drinks if they're hungry, and supervise them. It's a safe place for them to hang out until 5:00 PM, as many of their parents work late.
My day is constantly busy; that's the only regular thing about it. Every day is different, and it flies by. It's fun, but it is exhausting. That's my day.
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