The Realities of Teaching

Teaching can be a hugely rewarding career choice, and it goes without saying that many people outside of the profession have a great deal of respect and appreciation for the service that teachers provide to their students. However, the teaching profession can also be hugely misunderstood. For those looking to get into teaching it’s important to understand the realities of teaching.

This guide explores what it's like to be a teacher, the common myths, and what to expect from life in the classroom — so you can form a balanced view before choosing the profession.

Why People Often Misunderstand Teaching

Most of us know school life only from the viewpoint of a pupil, yet few see the full extent of what teachers actually do. Their role stretches far beyond standing at the front of a classroom — they plan lessons, support pupils, and balance a host of competing demands every day.

Although teaching is sometimes portrayed as a job with generous holidays and early finishes, the truth is quite different. Many teachers spend their evenings, weekends, and even parts of their holidays marking work, preparing resources, and managing assessments.

By understanding what the job really involves, aspiring teachers can form a more accurate picture of the profession and step into it with clear, realistic expectations.

What It’s Really Like to Be a Teacher

Every teacher’s experience is unique, but most describe it as fast-paced, purposeful, and highly varied.

A Typical Day

For most teachers, the working day starts well before pupils step into the classroom. Early mornings are often spent setting up materials, reviewing lesson plans, and preparing for the day ahead. Once lessons begin, teachers juggle delivering engaging content, managing behaviour, and supporting the varied needs of their pupils — each with their own personality, strengths, and challenges.

When the school day ends, the work doesn’t stop. There’s marking to do, meetings to attend, emails to answer, and plans to refine for the following day. It’s a demanding routine, but one that many find deeply rewarding — a continuous process of learning, adapting, and seeing progress unfold.

The Emotional Side

Teaching carries a strong emotional element. Each day can bring laughter, frustration, pride, and the occasional setback. Watching a pupil finally understand something they’ve struggled with is immensely satisfying, while helping others through personal or academic challenges calls for compassion and resilience.

No two days ever play out quite the same. That mix of unpredictability and purpose is what makes teaching both inspiring and, at times, exhausting — a career full of human connection and constant change.

Common Misconceptions About Teaching

Many ideas about teaching come from outdated assumptions or surface-level impressions. Let’s look at some of the most common misconceptions — and the realities behind them.

Misconception	Reality
Teachers finish work at 3pm.	The school day may end mid-afternoon, but lesson planning, marking, and preparation often continue long into the evening. The government’s “Working lives of teachers and leaders survey” shows that the average working hours of full time teacher in the UK is ~52.4 hours/week, and how this counters the idea of early finish times.
Teachers get long holidays and lots of time off.	Holidays are partly spent catching up on planning, training, and curriculum updates. The breaks are essential recovery time, not endless leisure.
Teaching is easy once you’ve done it for a few years.	Each new class, curriculum change, or cohort brings fresh challenges. Teaching is a constantly evolving craft.
Good subject knowledge is all you need.	Strong subject knowledge is vital, but so are communication skills, empathy, adaptability, and emotional intelligence.
Teachers just follow the textbook.	Most lessons are carefully designed and differentiated to meet pupils’ individual needs. Creativity and innovation are central to good teaching.

The realities of teaching involve blending planning, routine and structure with responsibilities and fostering a real human connection. Teachers must be able to balance curriculum targets alongside individual student progress, and classroom management — all while fostering enthusiasm and curiosity.

Here are some of the most significant realities teachers face day to day:

1. Balancing Workload and Wellbeing

Teachers often manage extensive administrative and pastoral duties alongside classroom teaching. Workload can be high, but most schools now prioritise wellbeing through mentoring, time management training, and workload reviews.

2. Managing Behaviour and Building Trust

Behaviour management is a consistent challenge. Successful teachers focus on building positive relationships and creating a respectful, predictable environment. Strong classroom culture is often the key to effective learning.

3. Accountability and Performance

Teachers are accountable for pupil progress, assessment results, and classroom quality. Inspections and data reviews can add pressure, but professional development and support networks help maintain balance and perspective.

4. Emotional Investment

Teaching is more than delivering lessons — it’s about being a steady presence in pupils’ lives. Supporting students through academic and personal challenges can be emotionally demanding, but it’s also what makes the profession meaningful.

Rewards That Balance the Challenges

However challenging, embarking on a career in teaching can also be extremely rewarding. Teaching is hugely impactful and can make a difference to young people’s futures. Schools are community environments, and there are plenty of opportunities for collaboration, social interaction and building strong relationships. A career in education also offers plenty of chances to learn and grow - continuous learning and professional development are part of the job. There is also a great sense of achievement that many teachers experience upon seeing pupils succeed provides tangible and lasting satisfaction.

Teachers often say the job gives them a sense of contribution few other careers can match. The opportunity to inspire curiosity, confidence, and resilience in others is at the heart of what makes teaching special.

Tips for Those Considering Teaching

If you’re exploring what it’s like to be a teacher or want to understand the realities of teaching before applying for training, here’s how to prepare:

Step	Action	Why It Helps
Get Classroom Experience	Volunteer or shadow a teacher.	Provides first-hand insight into daily routines and challenges.
Talk to Teachers	Ask about their experiences.	Real perspectives help you understand both the pressures and rewards.
Research Training Routes	Explore PGCE, SCITT, or School Direct.	Understanding your options helps you plan your next steps confidently.
Reflect on Your Strengths	Consider patience, communication, and adaptability.	These traits are crucial for success in teaching.

FAQs About the Realities of Teaching

Is teaching harder than it looks?

In many ways, yes. Teaching involves constant multitasking, emotional energy, and planning beyond classroom hours. However, it also offers unmatched personal fulfilment.

Do teachers enjoy their jobs?

Surveys show that, despite pressures, most teachers value their work highly and take pride in seeing pupils grow and achieve.

What’s the hardest part of being a teacher?

Balancing workload and maintaining work-life balance are common challenges. Behaviour management and accountability pressures can also be demanding. The National Education Union (NEU) survey revealed that stress can take its toll on teachers, and so having strategies in place to cope with the pressure and stress that comes with the territory is crucial.

What’s the best part of being a teacher?

Making a real difference in young people’s lives, building lasting relationships, and seeing progress over time.

Can anyone become a teacher?

Teaching requires specific skills — patience, communication, empathy, and organisation. With the right training and mindset, many people can thrive in the profession.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the realities of teaching is essential for anyone considering the profession. While there is no doubt that a career in education is not without its challenges, it’s also one that can be hugely rewarding, demanding resilience, adaptability and passion.

When people ask “What’s it like to be a teacher?”, the most honest answer is that it’s both harder and more rewarding than it looks. The job challenges you daily — but it also offers experiences and connections that stay with you for a lifetime.