A summer break is the time for educators to sit back and relax. For 10 months a year, teachers work an average of 54 hours a week. Teachers do not work a 9-to-5 day. In addition, many teachers spend the summer improving classrooms, refining lesson plans, and creating new activities. They receive a salary (no overtime) regardless of the hours worked. In some districts, a teacher’s salary is spread over 12 months. Others receive their pay in the 10 months that school is open. They must be disciplined about setting money aside so they can manage through the summer months.
A Summer Break for the Teacher
Many teachers who have families to support take a summer job to supplement their teaching salary. However, teachers are always thinking about lesson planning. New teachers gather materials and supplies for the new year.
Teaching is stressful. A lot of time is spent working on grading student assignments outside the classroom. Immediate feedback for students’ work is important to the learning process. Thus, summer is important to recuperate from the school year. Summers help prevent burnout.
Ways Teachers Recharge
With classrooms of about 30 students a day for around 180 days or more during the year, a long break is welcome. Teaching is stressful.The year consists of interruptions, weather delays, and make-up days. All of which cause the stress of additional work and changes to lesson plans. So, days off for thinking of family or self-care are needed.
- Plenty of rest is important, along with long walks.
- A trip out of town is a huge benefit.
- Road trips and hikes also rejuvenate the mind.
- A part-time summer job takes the mind in another direction.
- Volunteer work at a museum, library, or community center is healthy.
- Physical activity such as playing a sport or coaching helps with rejuvenation.
- A SPA day helps.
There are many more things teachers can do in the summer to rethink for the new year. Rest is best.
Teachers are overloaded with information during the school year. They must manage IEPs, 504s, GIEPs, and more. A few job requirements include: planning lessons, developing teaching methods, grading assignments, providing one-on-one student support, attending professional development sessions, and researching new instructional methods.
Teachers do not have an easy job. A summer break is a well-deserved break. A teacher’s dedication to students never ends. Teachers think about the classroom and the students continuously, even during a summer break. Thus, students need a teacher who is rested, clear-minded, and willing to take on the job of educating them. Summers give teachers and students a fresh beginning to each new year.
