Prep Periods: A Blessing or a Burden?
Let me take you into the heart of my week as an upper elementary teacher in the bustling city of Seattle. Four golden hours of prep time, scattered across the week, are my sanctuary—one hour each day, with one precious slot reserved for collaborative meetings with my grade-level team and our ever-watchful coach. Sometimes, the admin graces us with their presence, and together we dissect data, plotting our next moves like chess masters.
But whispers of change drift through the halls: next year, three out of four prep periods may morph into collaborative sessions—ELA, math, and behavior. This, apparently, is the grand vision of our principal coaches (yes, that’s a real title—don’t ask me how I feel about it).
Here’s the twist: as an introvert, these solitary prep hours are my lifeline. The thought of losing them? Let’s just say, my union might be hearing from me soon. Am I overreacting, or is this a universal teacher struggle? Let’s hash it out below—maybe together, we’ll find a solution that doesn’t involve hiding in the supply closet. 😅🤦♂️
#TeacherLife #PrepPeriods #EducationDebate #Education