Wednesday, September 18, 2013

A Day in the Life: What I do Besides Run

Happy Hump Day! Making it to the middle of the week takes on a whole new meaning once school is back in session. Today I'm joining Angela and Jill for a "Day in the Life" link up and sharing a glimpse of what one of my days as a high school English teacher looks like.


I usually wake up around 5:30 and after brushing my teeth, feeding the dog, and pouring a cup of coffee, I start my day with 50 squats. This is a new routine for me. One that I adopted right after the PT told me I need to strengthen my glutes.

For breakfast my pre-wheat-free toast has become an apple cinnamon rice cake with PB & J and a side of yogurt.  At this time of the morning I still have the downstairs to myself, so I watch the news, read email, and check Facebook while eating. 


After breakfast I make a smoothie and pack my lunch. After getting dressed for work, if I'm lucky I get a brief chat with my husband and step-daughter before heading out the door for my 20 minute commute to work.

My days vary as a high school teacher because we are on a 90 minute block schedule: we have odd days when periods 1, 3, 5, 7 meet and even days for periods 2, 4, 6, 8. Here's a look at a typical even day. 

From 7:30 - 7:56 I get ready for my day - making copies, writing instructions on the white board, greeting students as they enter the classroom. 7:56 - 9:26 I teach Period 2 English 10 for 90 minutes. As the class starts, the morning announcements begin with the Pledge. During announcements students work on a quick write that leads to a discussion of the story the students read. Afterwards I give them a writing assignment to complete. The class ends with another reading selection. When the bell rings, I quickly change what I've written on the white board for my next class.


9:31 - 11:01 Period 4 is my planning time. Most of it is spent in the teacher's room which happens to be right across the hall from my classroom. I use this time to grade papers, make copies, and run errands. I might also have a snack during this time, like some dry rice chex cereal. Although I could stay in my room, another class is being taught in there during this time.

11:06 - 12:36 I'm back in the classroom for Period 6 English 10 Honors. This is my biggest class of the day and right before lunch. Today this class starts with a practice SAT question and discussion. Today they are practicing how to write correct works cited entries for various sources. They work quietly with a partner to complete a series of entries. I walk around helping and monitoring for most of the activity.

12:36 - 1:06 This is my lunch period and I'm back across the hall in the teacher's room for a little down time with my colleagues. Today I'm having some tuna, grapes, and cheese & crackers. 


1:11 - 2:41 Period 8 English 10 Honors is a repeat of the my before lunch class. The last five minutes of class we listen to announcements before the dismissal bell. I like to stand in the hall and say good-bye to students as they leave.

3:00 - 4:00 Today we have a faculty meeting in the Information Center (aka library). These are held every third Wednesday and are scheduled for one hour. I also attend a quick GEA meeting after the faculty meeting.

4:30 When I get home, I will complete the Lorna Jane daily challenge and my strength workouts. I told my PT about exercises I found from Christine and he LOVES them, so it is a priority to get them done more than twice a week.


Once everyone is home, it is time to prep dinner. Tonight we are having a favorite: chicken florentine with gluten free pasta. I used to use cream of chicken soup, but now I use plain yogurt, milk, parmesan cheese, and garlic.


Don't forget to see what everyone else is doing and eating today!



12 comments:

  1. thanks for linking up to Christine's blog and posting that workout! Out with a hip/knee (probably IT band) injury and definitely need to strengthen my glutes. I love the idea of waking up and doing 50 squats too!

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  2. My sister is a high school English teacher. Sounds like you have a pretty full day too!

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  3. Starting the day with exercise! :) Nice!!! :)

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  4. Love seeing how you spend the day! I forgot what a typical day in H.S. is like. Brought back memories. Thanks for linking up!

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  5. Our days are similar. It's fun seeing behind the scenes of some of my favorite bloggers. Thanks for linking up!

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  6. It's such an easy routine to get used to. Good luck with your IT band!

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  7. It was fun to do - thanks for hosting!

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  8. I've enjoyed reading everyone else's posts - Great to see how you spend a day :)

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