If you’ve ever wondered about the difference between homeroom and classroom teachers or even wondered whether they can be used interchangeably, you’re not alone.
Both terms are often used interchangeably, which can confuse parents and students new to them.
The truth is that teachers who fulfill these roles have different responsibilities as they focus on different aspects of the learning experience.
This article will focus on providing insights into these roles and what distinguishes them from each other.
What Is A Homeroom Teacher
Unlike elementary school where the majority of subjects are taught by a single teacher in the same classroom, middle and high school subjects are taught in separate rooms.
This means middle and high school students have to move from room to room for each class period. This system makes teaching easier since some classes may require special equipment.
So where does a homeroom teacher fit into all of this?
A homeroom teacher is assigned to a specific class or class-size group of students, often for an entire school year. The homeroom teacher is responsible for taking attendance, monitoring student behavior, providing academic and emotional support, and communicating with parents.
The homeroom teacher may also be responsible for teaching certain subjects to the class. They’re usually the first teachers that students interact with since homeroom is typically the day’s first class.
Responsibilities of a homeroom teacher may include:
- Taking attendance
- Distributing material
- Communicating with parents
- Making announcements
- Providing academic support
- Providing emotional support
- Answer general questions from students
- Managing student behavior
- Building a sense of community within the class
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What Is Homeroom
Homeroom is essentially the class or room where a group of students or class assigned to a specific homeroom teacher meet, usually at the beginning of the day, for specific activities.
These may include discussing school activities, announcements, and various other administrative activities.
Although homeroom is often the first class of the day, it does sometimes occur later in the day (end of the day).
Homeroom provides an opportunity for students to also bond with their classmates, engage in team-building activities and discuss issues and events.
What Is A Classroom Teacher
While it’s possible for a classroom teacher to also be a homeroom teacher, their roles differ in many ways. That said, the roles of a classroom teacher may differ depending on the grade level.
At the elementary level, a classroom teacher is essentially the grade-level teacher since they teach the majority of subjects at that level.
On the other hand, classroom teachers in middle and high schools are certified academic subject-area teachers. They typically teach a single subject and may have specialized classrooms where students can move for their class period.
Responsibilities of a classroom teacher may include:
- Planning and delivering lessons
- Creating and grading assignments
- Providing individualized support
- Collaborating with other teachers and staff
- Maintaining classroom management
- Assessing and reporting student progress
- Participating in professional development
- Providing a safe and inclusive learning environment
- Engaging in parent-teacher conferences
- Participating in school-wide initiatives
Difference Between Homeroom And Classroom Teachers
While both homeroom and classroom teachers play a key role in education, their responsibilities vary. Let’s take a look at the difference between these two roles.
| Homeroom Teacher | Classroom Teacher |
| In charge of monitoring the overall development and well-being of a certain group of students over the academic year | In charge of instructing a group of students in a certain subject or subjects. |
| While they usually teach one or more courses at the middle and high school levels, they sometimes don’t teach any course | Teaches a single subject in most cases but may teach more than one |
| Typically focuses on building a strong classroom community and fostering positive relationships with their homeroom students | Focuses on delivering effective instruction and assessing student learning in their subject area |
| Responsible for tracking student progress, communicating with parents, and coordinating with other teachers to support their homeroom students | Responsible for grading assignments, assessing student progress, and reporting on student performance to parents and other school staff |
| May provide individualized support and intervention, like counseling, to their homeroom students. They provide students with help in both their social and academic lives | They don’t primarily focus on individualized support for students, but may still provide additional resources and support to struggling students |
| Typically focuses on building a strong relationship with their homeroom students and fostering a sense of community within the classroom | Primarily focus is on delivering effective instructions. That said, they may build relationships with students to better facilitate instruction |
Homeroom Teacher Job Description
The role of the homeroom teacher is essential to facilitate smooth operations in educational institutions. They work to ensure students have a smooth learning experience to reach their full potential.
Let’s take a look thorough look at what the role entails.
Building Strong Classroom Community
To ensure that students have an enjoyable learning experience, homeroom teachers work to ensure that the school environment is welcoming to all of their homeroom students.
They may intercede in issues that may be affecting the relationships of students by facilitating discussions that help to address the root cause of these issues.
Communicating With Parents
While classroom teachers may directly report student progress to parents, homeroom teachers track student progress to communicate with parents.
They’re able to provide a holistic insight into the progress of students in different subjects to parents.
Homeroom teachers communicate with other teachers to identify areas where students may be having difficulties, to help determine the root of the issue, and the best way to address any challenges.
They may hold meetings with parents to discuss these issues that may be impacting the student’s progress and also provide updates on their well-being.
Additionally, homeroom teachers are responsible for listening to and addressing any concerns parents may have.
Coordination With Teachers
To ensure that their homeroom students are performing adequately without any issues, homeroom teachers work closely with other teachers to provide any necessary support.
Homeroom teachers may collaborate on lesson planning and curriculum development, share resources and ideas, and coordinate interventions or support services as needed.
Track Student Progress
To ensure that their students do not lag, homeroom teachers coordinate with other teachers to track students’ academic progress.
They may approach students who may be having challenges in any particular subject area to identify the best way to help them.
In cases where the student’s progress is impeded by external factors including social, they may take measures to address these issues.
Track Attendance
Homeroom teachers are responsible for recording the absences and tardiness of their homeroom students.
Students who are absent for whatever reason will be included in the absentee list which is then forwarded to each classroom, to ensure that other teachers are updated.
Homeroom teachers are also responsible for determining the validity of any excused absence notes, which would then be brought to the administration.
Dress Code
In cases where the school has no official body to oversee student dress codes, homeroom teachers may be tasked with addressing any dress code violations.
Providing Individualized Support
Homeroom teachers who identify struggling students can take measures to provide the necessary support and intervention.
This support could come in the form of counseling, extra help sessions or even working with other teachers to develop an effective strategy to support students.
