Starting graduate school while you’re already teaching can feel a little like jumping into the deep end of the pool while you are still wearing your clothes. It’s exciting, challenging, and a little overwhelming at times. But it’s also one of the best things you can do for yourself and your students.
If you’re about to start your first year of grad school while teaching full-time, here’s a real-world look at what you can expect, plus a few tips to help you stay afloat and even enjoy the process.
The Workload is No Joke
Graduate school is a big commitment, and while the workload can feel heavy at times, it’s definitely manageable. You’ll be juggling lesson plans, grading papers, faculty meetings, and parent emails— plus writing research papers, participating in discussion boards, and keeping up with weekly readings. The first few weeks might feel like a blur, but don’t worry, you will eventually find your footing.
Most graduate programs are designed for working teachers like you, so they understand your schedule, and assignments are usually manageable as long as you stay on top of them. However, procrastinating might seem harmless at first, but it’ll make the workload feel a lot heavier later on. Plan for a steady, consistent pace of work every week rather than cramming everything in on Sunday nights.
A good rule of thumb is to block out at least six to ten hours per week for coursework depending on the program and the semester. Some weeks will be lighter, but during midterms and finals, you’ll be grateful you made studying a regular habit.
Time Management is Your Best Friend
If time management hasn’t already become second nature to you as a teacher, it will now. Balancing a full-time teaching job with graduate classes means you’ll need to get comfortable with planning your weeks with intention.
Some teachers swear by Sunday night planning sessions where they lay out the school week and grad school tasks side-by-side. Others prefer using planners, apps, or color-coded calendars to keep everything straight. Whatever your style is, you’ll quickly find that being proactive about your schedule saves you a lot of stress.
It’s also important to build in time for yourself, not just squeeze in 10 minutes of Instagram scrolling before bed. You will need some real time to unwind and de-stress. Whether it’s a quick walk, a workout class, or simply vegging out with your favorite show, protecting your mental health will make a huge difference this year.
Topics Will Feel Both Familiar and Brand New
One of the best parts about going back to school as a working teacher is how the coursework immediately connects to your real-world experience. Topics like instructional design, assessment strategies, educational theory, leadership, and classroom management will come up often in your classes and you’ll find yourself nodding along because you’ve seen it all in action.
But don’t be surprised if you’re challenged to think differently, too. Graduate courses often ask you to dive deeper into the “why” behind what you do. You’ll explore research-based practices, new trends in education, and philosophical foundations that may change how you approach your students and your teaching.
Grad school isn’t just about learning new strategies, it’s about understanding the bigger picture of education and your role within it.
Be Ready to Get Serious About Studying
You might assume that because you’re already an educator, studying will be a breeze. And while you definitely have an advantage when it comes to organization and reading comprehension, grad school does demand a different kind of focus.
Expect to do a lot of reading, not just textbook summaries, but think – academic articles, research studies, and policy papers. Critical reading skills will be essential because you’ll need to analyze, compare, and synthesize ideas rather than just memorize information.
You’ll also likely need to brush up on academic writing, including APA or MLA formatting, depending on your program. Many schools offer writing centers, virtual tutors, or workshops for students who need a refresher. Don’t be afraid to use these resources, they exist to help you succeed.
Try and find a study routine that works for you early on. Some people work best in quiet blocks of time, others like to do their reading during their lunch break. Experiment until you figure out what works best for you.
You Will Build a Strong Professional Network
One of the many benefits and probably the most valuable part of graduate school is the network that you’ll build. You’ll meet people who teach in different districts, grade levels, and even states. Some of them will become your friends, others your collaborators, and people you can lean on for advice and support for years to come.
Professors too will become mentors and can offer insight, encouragement, and even help open doors for future leadership opportunities. It’s worth taking the time to genuinely participate in discussions, both in class and online. Don’t just check the box, actually, try and build real connections. These relationships are often just as important as the diploma you’re working toward.
You May Get Imposture Syndrome
If you ever find yourself thinking, “Who am I to be doing this?” you’re not alone. Many first-year grad students, especially working teachers, wrestle with imposter syndrome. You might worry that you’re not smart enough, not experienced enough, or not doing it “right.”
The truth is a lot of people feel that way. But remember, you belong here just as much as anyone else does. Graduate school is a place for learners, and you are showing up exactly as you should. Trust the process, ask questions when you need to, and remind yourself that struggling with new material doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re growing.
This Experience Will Shape You for the Better
By the end of your first year of grad school, you’ll look back and be amazed at how far you’ve come. Not just in what you know, but in how you think, reflect, and advocate for yourself and your students. Graduate school pushes you to think critically, challenge your assumptions, and deepen your understanding of the educational world.
You’ll likely return to your classroom with fresh ideas, renewed energy, and a bigger-picture view of what’s possible for your students and for yourself. While it won’t be easy, and you have moments where you wonder why you ever signed up for this, make no mistake, it’s worth it.
Educators never stop learning; check out our available graduate degree programs to hone your skills and promote lifelong learning and academic excellence.
