Teacher Working Hours Per Year: Complete Guide By Country (2025 Update)
In addition to choosing the environment and living conditions, the regulations on the number of hours and days teachers work are also one of the deciding factors that help teachers choose where to teach. This article provides information about teacher working days in various countries!
Inside This Guide
How Many Hours And Days Do Teachers Work In A Year?
Understanding teacher working hours and schedules is crucial for educators considering international teaching opportunities. Each country has different requirements and expectations for their teaching workforce, affecting work-life balance and career satisfaction.
Number of Days Teachers Work in the US by State
The American education system is known as the most modern and advanced education system in the world, with outstanding advantages. Therefore, recruiting teachers with professional qualifications and experience is also highly required. On the contrary, teachers need to consider the workload as well as the number of hours and days teachers work in the states.
Florida
Generally, teachers in Florida work 180 days per year. Of these, teachers from kindergarten to grade 3 work 720 hours, and from grade 4 to grade 12 work 900 hours.
For the 2023-2024 school year, August 23 is the day students at the University of Florida return to school (simply called “Back-to-School”). However, teachers have to officially work from August 15, such as professional meetings, and preparing programs to submit before students return. The start date may vary by locality and state, but typically not by more than a few days.
Some famous universities that teachers can refer to are:
- University of Florida (UF)
- University of South Florida
- Florida State University
- Florida Atlantic University
- Florida Institute of Technology
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California
California is one of the largest economies in the world and an international center for entertainment, information, education, and technology.
Northern California: Teachers in this region are required to work 185 days a year, for a total of 1,025 hours a year. They begin no earlier than the Monday closest to August 19 if approved, otherwise no later than the Monday closest to August 26. The school year ends no later than the Friday closest to June 11.
Southern California: Teachers are required to work 6 hours a day, 180 days a year, including elementary school teachers. The school year begins no earlier than the third Monday in August.
A survey of 653 of California’s 1,058 public schools found that the average teacher salary in California is $84,489, which is the highest in the United States.
Texas
Texas is considered the state with the second-largest Vietnamese community in the US. This place is near the sea and has a temperate climate, not too different from day to night.
There is no specific state requirement for the number of days teachers work in Texas. However, the number of working hours per year is 1,260 hours (including breaks and recess). In addition, the school year begins no earlier than the fourth Monday of August.
Washington
Washington, DC is the place where the US’s headquarters are located. The training program is diverse, and rich and has many expanding career opportunities such as aircraft manufacturing, biotechnology, computer software, telecommunications.
According to the Government’s regulations, the total number of working days for teachers is 180 days a year. Moreover, the number of working hours for teachers is divided:
- Kindergarten to grade 8 teachers: 1,000 hours/year
- Teachers from grade 9 to grade 12: 1,080 hours/year
Vietnam – Number of Days Teachers Work
Vietnam is currently a developing country in the Southeast Asian region. The education system always focuses on building and finding talents as well as teachers to develop students’ full potential.
Working Time of Primary School Teachers
Total time is 42 weeks/school year, of which:
- 35 weeks for teaching and teaching activities
- 05 weeks for raising awareness and improving qualifications
- 01 week for preparing the new school year plan
- 01 week for summarizing and evaluating the school year
Working Days for Middle School and High School Teachers
Total time is 42 weeks/school year, divided as follows:
- 37 weeks for training and teaching of teachers
- 03 weeks for improving qualifications through activities
- 01 week for arranging and opening the new school year
- 01 week for summarizing the end of the school year
University Teacher’s Working Time
Total is 42 weeks, arranged:
- 28 weeks for studying theory and basic knowledge according to regulations
- 12 weeks for developing documents, scientific research, and some practical activities suitable for the subject
- 01 week for starting the new school year
- 01 week for evaluating the effectiveness and results at the end of the year
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UK – Number of Days Teachers Work
The UK is also one of the countries with a highly regarded education system. Accordingly, teachers officially work between 190 and 195 days a year, depending on the different schools.
Teachers will have 5 days of In-Service Training (INSET). They may be required to attend other courses, each class will be taught by a substitute teacher. Teachers work about 47 weeks a year, from Sunday afternoon to Friday evening. At home, they will plan lessons, prepare materials, and mark (grade) assignments.
India – Number of Days Teachers Work
As per RTE enacted in India in 2009, this act emphasizes the role and importance of education for children and students of all levels. Over a long period of development, the Government of India wants to have more teaching time for students. Therefore, there are modifications and differences between schools which are not uniform and uneven.
On average, the number of working days of teachers in India is 226 days, falling between 192 days to 236 days a year. This number is within the guidelines of the national curriculum framework, which recommends 220-230 school days per academic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days per year do teachers work in Australia?
According to Australian regulations, the maximum number of days a teacher works is 205 days according to the regulations of teachers with schools. But in reality, official teachers can work an average of about 53.7 hours per week.
Summary
| Country/Region | Working Days per Year | Working Hours per Year | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida, US | 180 days | 720-900 hours | Varies by grade level |
| California, US | 180-185 days | 1,025 hours (Northern) | Highest teacher salaries in US |
| Texas, US | No specific requirement | 1,260 hours | Includes breaks and recess |
| Washington, US | 180 days | 1,000-1,080 hours | Varies by grade level |
| Vietnam | 42 weeks | Varies by level | Structured professional development |
| UK | 190-195 days | ~47 weeks | Includes 5 INSET days |
| India | 192-236 days | Varies | Average 226 days |
| Australia | Up to 205 days | 53.7 hours/week | High weekly hour commitment |
The article has briefly outlined some of the main contents about the number of hours and days teachers work in some countries. VTJ is confident that this information will help you better orient your career and choose the most suitable workplace for your teaching journey abroad.
