A teacher’s day is filled with surprises, showing there’s much more to the job than just teaching. To illustrate what a typical day looks like, I interviewed Eduardo Garcia, a teacher at Jimmy Carter Early College High School, who described his day from the time he arrives at school to when he finishes his work.
Garcia starts his day by organizing lesson plans, setting up the classroom, and reviewing materials he’ll need for his students. “The first thing I do when I get to school is take a deep breath, check my schedule, and prepare for the day,” he said. Preparation is important to him, so he plans for all his classes. “I like to plan so I know exactly what I’ll do.” Even during breaks, Garcia keeps working. “During my free periods, I like to finish grading or get ready for the next lessons I have,” he said.
Garcia has many daily tasks to help his students, but what motivates him is their progress. “Watching my students get better and grow is one of the things that makes me feel accomplished as a teacher,” he said. For him, seeing his students succeed makes all the planning and work worth it.
As the school day ends, Garcia takes a moment to relax after his students leave. “Once the students are gone, I take a break before planning for the next day,” he said. This helps him recharge after a busy day while focusing on organization. “I stay organized by planning everything,” Garcia said. For students who want to become teachers, he advises them to take note of the preparation and patience it requires. “Teaching takes a lot of work, so staying organized is key,” he said.
Garcia’s day is filled with teaching, planning, and helping students grow. He enjoys watching his students improve, and being organized helps his day go smoothly. “Every moment with my students is a chance to make a difference,” he said, showing that teaching is more than just a job.
