Living in New York City while pursuing my master’s in Early Childhood Education has helped me build a structured and fulfilling daily routine. Join me as I take you through a typical Tuesday as a first-year grad student!

6:30 AM – Rise & Shine

As a student teacher, my weeks are packed! Four days a week—Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday—I student teach full-time in a classroom. Wednesdays are dedicated to my graduate coursework, with three classes spread throughout the day.

My mornings start early. To make things easier, I lay out my outfit and pack my bag the night before so I don’t have to think twice when I wake up. After getting dressed, I grab a quick breakfast (usually yogurt and granola) and fill my water bottle before heading out the door around 7:25 AM.

My commute includes a five-minute walk to the subway, followed by three stops on the Downtown 1 train. While on the train, I usually place a mobile order for coffee through the Blank Street app, my favorite NYC coffee shop! By 7:55 AM, I arrive at my student teaching placement on the Upper West Side, where I meet my co-teachers to prep before the students arrive at 8:30 AM.

8:30 AM – 3:00 PM: Student Teaching

This semester, I’m student teaching in a kindergarten classroom at an independent school, and I absolutely love it. Last fall, I had three short-term observation placements in different school settings to help me figure out what I value in a teaching environment. With the guidance of my professor, I found the perfect placement for my full-time student teaching.

My co-teachers have been incredibly supportive, helping me refine my teaching skills while working with our 12 students. Throughout the day, I assist with classroom management and lead various lessons, applying what I learn in my Wednesday grad classes. My professor visits four times per semester to observe my teaching, but the process feels more encouraging than stressful—Early Childhood professors are genuinely the best!

A typical school day includes:

• Morning Meeting
• Math
• Phonics
• Specials (art, music, movement, etc.)
• Social Studies
• Lunch (served community-style in the classroom!)
• Choice Time
• Recess in Central Park

One of my favorite things about teaching in NYC is ending the school day with recess in Central Park—it’s such a special experience!

After dismissal at 3:00 PM, I usually head home via subway. Lately, since the weather has been nice, I’ve been walking instead, which takes about 30 minutes.

4:00 PM – Brooklyn Half Marathon Training

I share an apartment with three other Teachers College students, and we’ve all committed to running the Brooklyn Half Marathon in April! Since January, we’ve been training together, scheduling runs throughout the week.

Tuesdays are for tempo, interval, or hill runs, so I get ready to run as soon as I get home from student teaching. If I’m in the mood for a flat route, I head to the West Side Highway; if I want more of a challenge, I jog over to Central Park. Running has not only kept me active but has also been an amazing way to explore the city.

6:00 PM – Study Session

After my run, I shower and head to campus to get some work done. Since I live just a few blocks from Columbia’s main campus, I love grabbing a cozy spot in Butler or Avery Library to focus.

With my grad classes scheduled for Wednesdays, most of my assignments are due that day. I use Tuesday evenings to finish my work so that I can enjoy a slower start on Wednesday mornings before my 10:00 AM class.

8:30 PM – Dinner & Sweet Treat Night

I’ll be the first to admit I’m not much of a chef. Trader Joe’s meals have become my go-to for quick, easy dinners! On Tuesdays, my roommates and I have different schedules, so we sometimes eat separately, but we always come together later for our weekly Sweet Treat Night.

Every Tuesday, we pick a nearby spot—Westside Market, H Mart, Shake Shack, etc.—for a little dessert and roommate bonding. Since Wednesdays are my one morning to sleep in, we extend the night by watching a movie on our projector while we enjoy our treats. It’s one of my favorite traditions since moving to the city!

Life as an Early Childhood Education grad student is busy but incredibly rewarding. Between student teaching, running, studying, and making time for friends, I’ve found a rhythm that keeps me productive while still enjoying everything NYC has to offer.

Thanks for following along on my Tuesday!

By: Abigail Smith