What is a typical Monday like for an elementary teacher?

Mondays often start with class meetings, setting weekly goals, reviewing homework, and launching new units or activities for the week.

How do teachers balance planning and instruction during the week?

Teachers plan during prep periods or after school, creating lessons, reviewing student work, and preparing materials for future instruction.

What non-teaching duties do teachers handle during the week?

Teachers attend staff meetings, respond to parent emails, supervise recess, and complete documentation and assessments to support student progress.

How do teachers manage student behavior throughout the week?

They use consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement to maintain a respectful and productive classroom environment.

What makes Fridays unique in a teacher’s schedule?

Fridays often involve wrap-up activities, review games, assessments, and preparing students for the following week’s expectations and assignments.

What administrative tasks are part of an elementary teacher's job?

Teachers handle grading, lesson planning, communicating with parents, attending meetings, and documenting student progress to support school accountability.

Do elementary teachers need certification or licensure?

Yes, public school teachers must pass state exams and obtain teaching certification, which may vary depending on location and grade level.

What a Week Looks Like for a Busy Elementary School Teacher

Elementary school teachers are the heart of their classrooms, balancing academic instruction, behavior management, emotional support, and parent communication every single week. Their schedules are packed, their responsibilities diverse, and their days full of small but powerful moments that shape young learners' lives. A week in the life of an elementary teacher is a carefully orchestrated mix of planning, teaching, nurturing, and adapting. Here's a glimpse into what that week might look like.

Monday: Setting the Tone

Mondays are all about establishing focus and routine for the week ahead. Teachers begin by resetting the classroom, reviewing weekly objectives, and getting students back into the rhythm of learning.

Lead a morning meeting to build community and preview the week's goals.
Introduce new lessons in core subjects like math, reading, and writing.
Assign weekly jobs and classroom responsibilities to students.
Check homework folders and communicate with families if needed.

Tuesday: Deepening Instruction

By Tuesday, students have settled into their routines. Teachers dive deeper into instruction, encourage collaboration, and assess student understanding.

Teach small-group reading rotations and guided math lessons.
Conduct hands-on science or social studies activities.
Pull aside students who need additional support or enrichment.
Monitor classroom behavior and reinforce expectations with positive feedback.

Wednesday: Collaboration and Progress Monitoring

Midweek is a time to reflect, adjust, and collaborate. Teachers often analyze data, meet with colleagues, and check in on individual student progress.

Use formative assessments or exit tickets to gauge learning.
Meet with instructional coaches or special education staff for planning.
Attend grade-level team meetings or professional development sessions.
Update anchor charts, classroom displays, or student portfolios.

Thursday: Reinforcement and Review

On Thursdays, teachers revisit tough concepts, integrate cross-curricular activities, and ensure students are on track before assessments.

Review math facts or literacy skills with games and group activities.
Incorporate art, music, or technology to reinforce core content.
Check progress on ongoing writing assignments or projects.
Send reminders home about upcoming events, field trips, or tests.

Friday: Assessment and Celebration

Fridays are a blend of reflection and fun. Teachers use this day to assess learning, tie up loose ends, and celebrate student achievements.

Administer weekly quizzes or spelling tests.
Hold class discussions or presentations on weekly themes.
Celebrate positive behavior with class rewards or student shout-outs.
Preview next week's learning to build excitement.

Evenings and Weekends: Planning and Recharging

Although the school day ends in the afternoon, most teachers continue working outside of classroom hours. They spend evenings and weekends planning lessons, grading work, and reflecting on their practice.

Plan engaging, standards-aligned lessons for the upcoming week.
Prepare materials, print handouts, and organize centers or supplies.
Grade assignments and provide feedback to students.
Recharge by spending time with family, reading, or engaging in hobbies.

Conclusion

A week in the life of an elementary school teacher is a full and fast-paced journey. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to make a difference. Through structure, creativity, and heartfelt dedication, teachers guide their students through academic milestones and personal growth. Though often unseen, their work lays the foundation for future success—and their impact lasts a lifetime.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a typical Monday like for an elementary teacher?: Mondays often start with class meetings, setting weekly goals, reviewing homework, and launching new units or activities for the week.
How do teachers balance planning and instruction during the week?: Teachers plan during prep periods or after school, creating lessons, reviewing student work, and preparing materials for future instruction.
What non-teaching duties do teachers handle during the week?: Teachers attend staff meetings, respond to parent emails, supervise recess, and complete documentation and assessments to support student progress.
What administrative tasks are part of an elementary teacher's job?: Teachers handle grading, lesson planning, communicating with parents, attending meetings, and documenting student progress to support school accountability. Learn more on our Elementary Teacher Responsibilities in Schools page.
Do elementary teachers need certification or licensure?: Yes, public school teachers must pass state exams and obtain teaching certification, which may vary depending on location and grade level. Learn more on our Requirements to Become an Elementary Teacher page.