20 tasks, each one witnessed by the sources that watched the job — and behind every one, a prompt you can use tonight.
You usually start by checking email (Microsoft Outlook or Google Docs) for schedule changes and parent messages. Mornings often mean teaching several small-group or one-on-one sessions, delivering lesson plans and assigning homework tied to reading, writing, or life skills.
Afternoons are for grading (Microsoft Word or Excel), updating student records in SharePoint or Google Docs, meeting other teachers, and running clubs or test prep. Expect some Zoom meetings with parents or specialists and time for planning modified lessons for students who need them.
You’ll use Microsoft Outlook for scheduling and parent communication, Microsoft Word and Google Docs for lesson plans and report writing, and Excel to track assessments and grades. SharePoint is common for storing student records and shared curriculum files.
Zoom is used for remote sessions with students or parents. Learn basic formatting, file-sharing, and simple formulas in Excel to manage assessments and progress monitoring.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports about 620,090 people in related teaching roles. The median pay is $64,370 per year, the lowest tenth is $48,080, and the top tenth is $102,540, according to BLS data for 2025.
Local pay varies by district, experience, and certifications. Public school pay scales and union contracts are the clearest place to check actual salaries.
Start with a bachelor’s in education, TESOL, or a related field, then get a teaching credential or certificate that your state or school requires. Take coursework in assessment methods, lesson planning, and classroom management.
Gain experience by volunteering or substituting, and practice with tools like Zoom, Google Docs, and Excel. Many schools want classroom experience and some knowledge of administering and interpreting standardized tests.
A language coach often works one-on-one or in small groups to build literacy, life, and social skills across grades and to modify curricula for individual needs. English teachers usually follow set secondary content standards and teach whole classes.
Coaches spend more time assessing progress, coordinating with parents and staff, running interventions, and keeping detailed records (SharePoint/Excel). Tutors often focus on short-term skill gaps, while coaches track long-term development and prepare students for later grades.
Yes, AI can help draft lesson ideas, generate practice exercises, or summarize assessment data. But always check AI output yourself: edit lesson language, verify accuracy, and adapt it to students’ needs before sharing. Don’t rely on AI for grading decisions without human review.
Protect student data: do not upload student names or identifiable records into third-party AI services unless your school’s data policy allows it. Use school-approved systems (Google Workspace, Microsoft 365) and follow privacy rules.
Classroom management: you must keep sessions focused and guide behaviour during lessons and extracurriculars. That includes setting routines and using clear instructions for tasks and homework.
Assessment and record-keeping: be comfortable administering tests, interpreting results to identify strengths and needs, and updating progress in Excel or SharePoint. Communication: regular, clear messages to parents and staff via Outlook or meetings (Zoom) so everyone supports the student.