Experience a Day in the Life of a Teacher at Concordia Shanghai: Middle School Drama

 

The work is demanding, but watching students step into their roles with confidence and joy makes every afternoon worthwhile.

 

 
 
6:00 a.m.

The day begins early with family. Breakfast with my wife and kids is often a lively mix of laughter, reminders to pack school bags, and a strong cup of coffee. It is a grounding time before the whirlwind of rehearsals, classes, and meetings begins.

7:30 a.m.

I arrive at Concordia, often greeting colleagues and students on the way to my classroom or office. Before the first bell, I use this quiet time to review lesson plans, check rehearsal schedules, and make sure all resources for the day are in order.

8:00 a.m.

Advisory with Grade 7 students starts the day. This short but meaningful time is about connection, checking in with students, guiding them through activities, and creating a space where they feel seen and supported.

8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 

Each day looks different because of the waterfall schedule. Some mornings begin with back-to-back drama classes where students might be learning pantomime, experimenting with voice acting, or rehearsing Shakespeare scenes. Other mornings allow space for curriculum planning, co-teaching check-ins, or administrative meetings. Afternoons can look the same.  Sometimes I am in the classroom teaching, other times I am collaborating with colleagues, prepping for upcoming units, or working on long-term planning for the performing arts department. On lighter stretches, I may even find time for a quick workout to recharge.

3:45 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

From The Addams Family to Wizard of Oz, rehearsals after school are when the magic happens. Actors take the stage, tech crews get hands-on with set pieces, and musicians bring the score to life. The work is demanding, but watching students step into their roles with confidence and joy makes every afternoon worthwhile.

6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

During the busier parts of production, we schedule evening rehearsals. These longer sessions allow the cast and crew to work through full scenes, transitions, and ensemble numbers without interruption. They are intense, but they build momentum and community in ways that students always remember.

Dinner and Family Check-In

After rehearsals, I head home for dinner with my family, sometimes late but always meaningful. It is a chance to reconnect and shift gears before the evening winds down.

Family Time or School Activities

When I'm not in production evenings are for my kids, helping with homework, playing legos with my son, or reading bedtime stories with my daughters. On other evenings I may join a school-sponsored wellness activity, or if the timing works out, enjoy a date night with my wife and have our Ayi stay and babysit! 

8:30 p.m.

Once the house is quiet, I return to my laptop. This time is used for refining director’s notes, updating rehearsal schedules, or developing new curriculum units. It is also when I reconnect with creative outlets like music, writing, or planning future productions.

11:00 p.m.

The day ends with reflection. Tomorrow’s schedule is already in motion in my mind, but the satisfaction of seeing students grow and thrive through the arts makes it easy to close the day with gratitude.