my schedule is going to kill me

iluvmylab

I teach 5 classes in a row, get a 25 minute lunch, teach another class and then have my planning time.  By the time my planning time comes around, I need a serious mental break so I don't even want to do anything.  I'm too tired to even walk to my car right now, LOL!  I know once I get into the swing of things, I'll probably love having a short day after lunch, but right now, it SUCKS! 

kwinkle1980

I had a schedule just like that for years, with no bathroom break. I used to lurk in my doorway waiting for a para to walk by so I could snag her into my room so I could go pee. It sucked.

My planning time was spent yakking with other teachers and eating candy the first year I had to do that. I was SO burnt out by that time.

KeyLime81

Wow!  That does sound like a tough schedule.  I'm sorry you're finding yourself so exhausted to use your planning time.    Hopefully after the craziness of the first few weeks wears off, things will get easier.

Is teaching 6 classes a "normal" load at your school?  When I taught full time HS (the last 4 years, I split my time between HS and elem), we taught 5 classes, had a "duty" (either study hall or lunch supervision), and had a planning period.

ETA:  Some teachers at my school choose to teach 6 classes and not have a duty...they get paid an extra stipend.

iluvmylab

Yep, 6 is normal.  I have my soccer kids in the morning, then 5 history classes and 1 planning time.  It's usually not so bad because they are usually able to space lunch and planning out a little better.  I've never had more than 3 classes in a row before I got some sort of break.  It will just take some getting used to.  And all my classes have 30 kids.

KeyLime81

Yikes!!  Are your history classes all one prep or are they different levels?  30 kids per class makes a TON of grading!

iluvmylab

KeyLime81:

Yikes!!  Are your history classes all one prep or are they different levels?  30 kids per class makes a TON of grading!

Thankfully, just one prep- the same class and grade.  But yeah, I have 153 students total. And we are required to have at least 12 daily grades and 3 exams each 9 week period.

ccip82

Ugh, that is a tough schedule. I feel for you. On the bright side, it's only 1 prep so you won't have extra planning. Hopefully, as the school year progresses, it will get easier- also once you get through the 5 classes, you are almost done for the day  

Ricola

That sounds super stressful! I hope you get used to the new schedule quickly!