Student Teacher Work Life Balance Tips: How to Balance Life and Teacher Training Like a Pro

Hi EduMagicians! This week, a guest post from a future educator studying in London. Meet the inspiring voice behind The Teacher Diaries, a newly qualified teacher (NQT) who’s documenting her journey through her first year in the classroom. She’s passionate about building a supportive teaching community and connecting with educators at every stage of their careers.

Top Student Teacher Work-Life Balance Tips

Her post dives into a topic every student teacher wonders about: Can you balance teacher training and still have a life? Spoiler alert, yes, you can! Read on for actionable tips and learn more about these student-teacher work-life balance tips.

Work Smarter, Not Harder: Realistic Advice for Student Teachers

During my PGCE interview, I was asked what I do in my spare time and how I’d maintain my hobbies during teacher training. At the time, it felt like an odd question. Fast-forward a few weeks into the program, and I realized just how relevant that question was.

The Reality of Teacher Training

Training to be a teacher is a demanding and intense process. You’re expected to:

• Plan and deliver inclusive lessons

• Manage classroom behavior effectively

• Keep up with grading, data, and university assignments

• Possibly juggle a part-time job

It’s a lot. And if you’re not careful, your mental health can take a hit. That’s why it’s crucial to find ways to work smarter, not harder.

Set Boundaries Early: Protect Your Time and Energy

One of the biggest mistakes I made was taking too much work home. I’d work late into the night, spend weekends catching up, and treat holidays as extra work time. Eventually, I learned a powerful lesson: I am the most important resource in my classroom.

Here’s what helped me reclaim my time:

• Set a work cut-off time (e.g., 8:00 PM) and stick to it.

• Unplug before bed—I turn off my phone at 9:00 PM and aim to be in bed by 10:00 PM.

• Keep a notepad nearby to jot down school thoughts before you go to sleep.

• Schedule work blocks on weekends, but leave one day completely free.

  
  

Be Intentional: Ask “Will This Help My Students?”

Before diving into a task, ask yourself: Is this helping my students learn?

It’s easy to get caught up in Pinterest-perfect classroom displays or detailed grading. However, sometimes those efforts don’t translate into improved learning outcomes. Focus on what truly matters.

Grading: Who Is It Really For?

If you teach Key Stage 1 like I do, ask yourself:

• Are students reading your comments?

• Do they have time to reflect and revise?

Often, grading is more about meeting expectations from OFSTED, SLT, or parents. Research shows that written feedback has a limited impact on learning. Follow your school’s policy, but avoid spending hours on it unnecessarily.

The To-Do List Trap: You’ll Never Finish It All

A wise colleague once told me, “You’ll never complete your to-do list.” And she was right. Teaching is dynamic—there’s always something more to do. That’s why teachers often feel guilty. But remember: You’re making a difference every single day.

Make Time for Connection: Your Well-Being Matters

Don’t underestimate the power of social connection. Spending time with colleagues outside of work helps you decompress and recharge. Whether it’s a coffee catch-up or a weekend walk, make space for joy.

Build Healthy Habits Now

Being a student teacher can feel like a never-ending obstacle course. But if you build strong habits early, your future as a teacher will be much smoother. Burnout is real, but it’s preventable. Protect your mental health, set boundaries, and remember: You’re doing an amazing, life-changing job.

Stay Connected with Dr. Sam Fecich

Want more inspiration and support on your teaching journey? Let’s connect!

• 🎯 Discover Your Student Teacher Superpower: Take the free quiz and uncover your unique strengths in the classroom: What’s Your Student Teacher Superpower?

• 📸 Join the Conversation on Instagram. Tag me @sfecich with your thoughts and takeaways from this post!