Working from home has become the new standard for educators everywhere. For the majority of teachers, particularly those who thrive on classroom energy and direct student engagement, the shift has not been simple. For educators who wish to thrive while working from home, here are some helpful pointers.
Expect to Fail
The first and perhaps most important tip is to expect some failures. Teaching from home requires different skills and tools than a traditional classroom, and there will be a learning curve.
Technical issues will happen. Lessons that worked perfectly in your physical classroom might fall flat online. Your carefully planned schedule might get derailed by household interruptions. That’s okay. Each “failure” gives you valuable information about what needs adjusting.
Start with small goals. Maybe your first week’s goal is simply to successfully log in to all your virtual classes on time. As you build confidence, you can experiment with more complex teaching strategies and online tools.
Schedule Your Day
Without the structure of school bells and physical transitions between activities, time can become surprisingly fluid when working from home. Creating and sticking to a schedule helps maintain normalcy for both you and your students.
Start by blocking time for your essential tasks:
- Teaching/live instruction.
- Office hours for student questions.
- Lesson planning and materials development.
- Grading and providing feedback.
- Meetings with colleagues or administration.
- Personal time (lunch, breaks, physical activity).
Be sure to include transition time between activities. You might need 10-15 minutes to prepare materials, reset your mindset, or simply stretch before moving to your next task.
I’ve found that ending the workday with a wrap-up routine signals to your brain that it’s time to switch from teacher mode to personal mode. Review what you accomplished, note what needs attention tomorrow, and physically put away your work materials if possible.
Many successful remote teachers I know set their schedules to mirror their former school days as much as possible. It permits them and their students to have a sense of normalcy. But it also takes advantage of the flexibility that comes with working from home. If you work best early in the morning, consider shifting your lesson planning to that time.
Remember that students like clean schedules too. Share your response and availability times with them so they know when to expect feedback or support.
Tune Off the Distractions
Working from home comes with a unique set of distractions that simply don’t exist in a school setting. From household chores calling your name to family members needing attention, maintaining focus can be challenging.
Identify your particular distractions and develop strategies to manage them:
For digital distractions, try using website blockers during focused work periods. Turn off personal email and social media notifications when teaching or planning. Some teachers even create separate browser profiles for work and personal use.
For household distractions, communicate clear boundaries with family members about your working hours. A closed door or a special sign can signal “do not disturb” times. If possible, physically separate your teaching space from high-traffic areas of your home.
For internal distractions (like the temptation to check the news or worry about personal matters), try using the Pomodoro technique — work intently for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. Many teachers find this helps them stay on task while still giving their brain needed rest periods.
Consider using noise-canceling headphones or background music without lyrics to create a consistent audio environment. Some teachers find that natural sounds or instrumental music help them focus while blocking out household noises.
Set Up a Productivity Ritual
Rituals signal your brain to shift gears. When you taught in a traditional school, your drive, morning coffee in the teachers’ lounge, or homeroom period signaled your mind to switch into teaching mode. At home, you will need to create new rituals.
A simple morning ritual might include:
- Getting dressed in professional clothing
- Reviewing your day’s schedule
- Setting up your teaching space
- Taking a few deep breaths
- Stating an intention for the day
I’ve worked with veteran teachers who swear by their end-of-day rituals, too. One elementary teacher I know physically walks around the block after her last virtual class, simulating the “commute home” she used to have. This helps her mentally separate work time from personal time.
Get Some Light
Natural light does wonders for both physical and mental health. When possible, position your workspace near a window. Not only does natural light improve your mood and energy, but it also provides better lighting for video calls.
If natural light isn’t an option, invest in good quality lighting that mimics daylight. This is especially important during video instruction, as proper lighting helps students see your facial expressions clearly — a crucial component of communication that’s already compromised in virtual settings.
Beyond the physical benefits, getting some light has metaphorical importance, too. Many teachers feel isolated when working from home, missing the camaraderie of the staff room and the energy of a busy school. Finding ways to “lighten” your day with moments of connection matters.
Schedule virtual coffee breaks with colleagues. Join or create a teacher support group. Participate in professional learning communities online. These connections bring light to your professional experience and help prevent burnout.
Remember to literally step into the light as well. Take short walks outdoors during breaks. Eat lunch on your porch or balcony. The combination of natural light, fresh air, and physical movement provides a powerful reset for your brain.
Get Dressed When Working
It might be tempting to teach in your pajamas (after all, students only see you from the waist up), but there’s psychological value in dressing for work, even at home. Your clothing sends signals to your brain about what mode you’re in.
This doesn’t mean you need to wear formal business attire — just that changing out of sleepwear helps create a mental boundary between relaxation time and work time. Many remote teachers find that “business casual” works well: professional enough to feel purposeful, but comfortable enough for a home environment.
Teachers Need a Designated Workspace
Just as students learn better with a dedicated study space, teachers teach better with a designated workspace. Ideally, this would be a separate room with a door you can close, but even a dedicated corner of a room can work if that’s what’s available to you.
Your workspace should include:
- A comfortable chair that supports good posture.
- A desk or table at the proper height.
- Adequate lighting.
- The technology you need for teaching.
- Storage for teaching materials.
- Some personal touches that inspire you.
When I converted my guest room to a home office last year, I was amazed at how having a dedicated space improved my productivity. There’s something powerful about walking into a room that’s specifically designed for focused work.
If space is limited in your home, get creative. A folding screen can create a visual boundary around your “classroom corner.” A rolling cart can store teaching materials that you can move out of sight when not working. Even a tablecloth that you only put on during teaching hours can help signal to your brain that this space is temporarily for professional use.
Conclusion
Working from home presents unique challenges for teachers, but with thoughtful strategies, it can also offer unexpected benefits. The flexibility to design your own workspace, the opportunity to master new technologies, and the chance to connect with students in different ways can actually enhance your teaching practice. Remember that adapting to teaching from home is a marathon, not a sprint. Give yourself grace during the adjustment period, celebrate small victories, and continue refining your approach as you learn what works best for you and your students.
ALSO READ: How To Employ & Pay Remote Employees Around the World
FAQs
Regular check-ins, one-on-one and as a class, keep everyone engaged. Start classes with quick-fire personal questions or activity shares. Use breakout rooms for small group discussions and allow students to work in groups. Keep in mind that it’s consistency and responsiveness that are more important than high-tech bells and whistles.
Have backup plans ready. Prepare students by explaining what to do if you get disconnected. Keep instructions in multiple formats (verbal, written chat, and shared documents). Partner with a colleague who can step in if you have major technical difficulties. Most importantly, maintain your sense of humor about inevitable glitches.
Set firm boundaries around your working hours. Create physical barriers between work life and personal life. Take breaks at regular intervals in the daytime. Practice saying no to getting more when already full. Construct supportive relationships with people who will understand your hassles. Rest, eat and exercise as priorities in your life.
