Ahh, the ever so elusive summer break, it is the time of year that teachers pray for shortly after the initial back to school high wears off. Somewhere after Open Houses and Back to School Nights, teachers coast into November suddenly anxious for a break. And in December we get a reprieve, a chance to breathe, relax, pee like a normal person-- but only for a week or so. After New Year's Day it's back to work. Then just like clockwork, the count down to the last day of school commences. Educators across the nation are counting down the days almost to the second that the bell will ring signaling our freedom.
So, what do teachers actually do when we get our temporary "freedom papers?" Well, I know that there is a faction of us that go on to teach summer school. God speed to those brave soldiers. By June I am spent. I couldn't imagine imagine teaching in the summer. Especially if I have to teach the kids that don't really want to be there. The ones that played around all year and now this is their last resort. I need a break from them and I know they need a break from me. Nevertheless, there are some brave teachers in the name of making money, work for a few weeks in the summer. I would say extra but let's be honest, we don't get paid that much. Summer money is a great stream of income to keep us afloat until September.
Then there are other teachers that work as tutors. Not as bad as summer school because you have more flexibility and freedom with your schedule and you are usually working with kids that want to learn more to say ahead of the curve. You know the overachiever types. Some teachers work at camps. Others have second jobs that are non-related to teaching at all but it brings in a check that keeps money in your bank account for those long summer days. Then there are the lucky teachers that get to spend their summer traveling. They go to Europe, Italy, Thailand, Japan, Greece, Jamaica, Bahamas, etc., collecting stamps in their passport books. Or they just schlep it around the United States visiting family, friends or seek out go-to tourist attractions in the states.
By now you're probably wondering where I fit in with all of the teachers on summer break. Well, me too. As much as I loathe working summer school. I considered doing it this year because well, I need the money. Cost of living goes up but my paycheck doesn't. Do the math on that. I thought about working at a camp. Then, I selfishly decided that I didn't want to go to any camp that I couldn't take my girls with me to work everyday. And while Mia is old enough, Laila isn't, so, I would still need childcare for her. I wasn't interested in going to work to pay for childcare. So, am I the jet-setting world traveling teacher on summer break? Nope, not that person either. No explanation necessary, you know, the whole no raise thing.
It kind of sounds like I'm complaining. Honest to goodness, I'm not. I know that many people would love to have what appears to be two full months off. I'm sure everyone would love that. They wouldn't love the whole no paycheck part. But sure, who doesn't want to be home spending the day doing things you actually want to do. I'm no different. I do enjoy my summers. The part I enjoy the most is that I get to be a normal person. A normal mom. I can pick my kids up and take them places at normal hours. I enjoy finding free things for us to do and spending our day on a schedule filled with educational and enriching activities. Summer is great for the girls and I thanks to my husband that affords me this opportunity to be with them-- otherwise I'd be a summer school teaching, second job having teacher.
But, more than spending time with my own children and making sure I am imparting wisdom upon them. I will spend my days reading and researching, reflecting and planning on the past year I spent teaching and the year that's yet to come. Because lets face it. Teachers get paid to impart wisdom (or any knowledge) upon children that are not our own. Who really knows if we do or we don't... but we try. And contrary to popular belief, teaching doesn't stop when summer vacation bell tolls. That's just when this year's crop students leave. And teachers get to breathe, and within some of those breaths and naps by the ocean shore we are thinking about and making plans for all of the ways we can make next year better than the last. And if doesn't happen the next school year, well, there's always next year's summer break to do it all over again.
No comments:
Post a Comment