As I made my way through elementary school, middle, and high school I always enjoyed my summers off. In the earlier days, I spent those summers either with a parent, or a babysitter. As the years went on, I spent my 2 free months as a babysitter to others. Summers to me were a great time to lay out and veg out. As I think back, I took advantage of those days. My dad would joke that by the time I drug myself from my bed he had already had his morning coffee, watched the news, been into town, mowed the lawn, and finished his lunch. Those were the days. Even throughout college I would pack up, head home, and resume the position by the pool that I had missed so much. Don't get me wrong, I always held a summer job. My hours weren't always all that strenuous but I managed to make enough money to take back to school. (I held down, at times, 4 jobs while on and off campus that kept my pocket book full and my time occupied.)
Being an elementary education major, I always knew in the back of my head that I would most likely have summers off again. Most teacher's that I knew also held down a summer job to keep busy and make a little extra money. After graduation, I was lucky enough to accept my first teaching job. I took the job in June ( I was notified the night of my rehearsal dinner, needless to say my new husband and I went "all inclusive" on our honeymoon to celebrate). Having found out in June that I would be teaching in August, I began assembly resources for my classroom. I always worked part-time at a small day camp. By August, I was ready.
The year, as I was told, flew by. As of two days ago, my classroom has been boxed up, (for new renovations) cleaned up, and locked up. As I was taking down posters, emptying desk and hugging tearful students goodbye, it hit me. Summer break is here. Again. Another break. Once again, I was semi-unscheduled for the next two months. The only difference included: Not driving home to my parents. Some, and by some I mean most, people will continue to work through the hot, and sunny months to come. And though they seem happy for me and my 72 days off, I would be kidding myself if I believed that. Who wouldn't want an extended vacation? During the last 16 summers of my life, I never felt guilty about the time off. There was a brief time about a month ago that I felt guilty for the vacation I had coming up. I had done nothing but count down my days to my friends and family. It only took a split second though, to realize why teachers get this "extended vacation". A few reasons I have come up with are listed, not in any particular order.
Reasons Why Teachers Have Summer Break:
1. To recover from a year of: math facts, grammar books, spelling tests, playing referee, nurse, mentor, parent, friend, children's skinned up knees, boogers, colds and untied shoes, parent phone calls, copying papers, telling jokes, hearing jokes, watching students struggle, then watching them succeed, and taking work home with you every night (including the weekends).
2. To Look Forward to and plan for: a year of math facts, grammar books, spelling tests, playing referee, nurse, mentor, parent, friend, children's skinned up knees, boogers, colds and untied shoes, parent phone calls, copying papers, telling jokes, hearing jokes, watching students struggle, then watching them succeed, and taking work home with you every night (including the weekends).
I decided not to feel guilty. One, I feel confident that I worked hard enough for 10 months that I deserve 2 off. Two, I know I made a difference in 25 student's lives and I will spend my "extended vacation" coming up with ways to do the same thing in 72 days.
So, with yet another summer break upon me, I will continue to do what I know and do best. I will babysit for family and friends, tutor several students from school, and take a little time to lay by the pool, sleep in, and veg out.
