I was recently answering a question from another multi-level teacher in a music teacher Facebook group, and I was shocked at how many of the comments were from people who couldn't believe the poster was teaching that many grade levels. It's a real job, people!
So for other inquiring minds, I thought I'd lay out what a typical day looks like for me.
7:30am: Arrive at school, check email, check planner, get straight in my mind everything that needs to happen that day
8:00am: High School Choir Class- We cover a lot of bases in this class. I run everything from concert choir, to show choir, to small groups and solos out of this one period. In a small school, my kids are involved in a ton of activities and many have jobs outside of school, so doing outside rehearsals is TOUGH.
8:55: 5th Grade Music, 30 minute class
9:25: 30 minute plan
9:55: 4th Grade, 30 minute class
10:25: 6th Grade, 30 minute class
10:55: 2nd Grade, 30 minute class
15 minute breather- lol!
11:40: Another section of High School Choir. Our school is not big enough to have more than one high school choir, but many of my students can't fit it into their schedule if its only offered for one period. So I offer 2 full period classes, and if they STILL can't fit it in I also offer a half period homeroom section, because when you are in a small school, EVERY VOICE COUNTS!
This of course makes things tricky because they rarely rehearse all together, but I've found with a lot of planning and organization we've been able to make it work.
12:30: Lunch- I often work through lunch, because I hate taking things home or staying super late. I'm a wife, mom, and daughter, and also an introvert who needs down time!
1:05: JH Choir- Again, we run everything we do out of this one class period.
2:00- Plan period.
3:00- Homeroom Choir
3:30- After school stuff, like elementary choir, honor choir prep, solo work, or anything else that comes up.
Other duties: When you teach multiple levels, you have all the concerts, competitions, and events for ALL the levels you teach.
Now, I titled this post as a K-12 teacher, but you may have noticed that there are some grades missing from my schedule. Most of the positions in my area are full K-12 for the vocal teacher, but I am lucky enough to work with my husband as the band director! So thankfully, he also teaches K, 1st, and 3rd.
That means that my schedule is SUPER easy compared to most teachers in my area. I have adequate planning time, and my breaks are spread throughout the day so I get a breather and a few minutes to reset for the next set of groups. Most are not so lucky!
What does your teaching schedule look like? Do K-12 positions exist in your area?
Leave your thoughts in the comments! I'm super interested in what other people are doing.
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