It Must be Nice to Have Summers Off

"It Must Be Nice to Have Summers Off"

       

     Teachers have all heard the comment, "It must be nice to have summers off." Anyone that has a relative or spouse as a teacher knows that this is only partially true. A summer off is not necessarily a real thing anymore. 

     Many teachers take college classes over summer, or workshops, or pick up jobs to make ends meet. Others spend a large portion of their "summer off" preparing for the next year. They scour websites for new classroom management techniques, strategies to improve reading and math lessons, or ways to add technology to their lessons. They read several of the latest books on education. They have meetings with colleagues to prepare curriculum, timelines, and schedules.They spend a good portion of their own money for resources to make their classroom for the next school year inviting. Teachers may have time off, but deeply committed teachers use this time to become even better.

     Many people may not know that as teachers go into Summer Break, depression is a common occurrence. Yes, that may sound like an anomaly, but it's true. Teachers go from caring for 20 or more children day in and day out to...nothing. They go from seeing friends/colleagues on an every day basis to...nothing. The strict schedule of nearly every moment of the day, including when they can use the restroom...is gone. They find themselves with extra time in the evenings and on weekends that were originally filled with grading and planning. At first, this may sound like heaven, but the time to adapt to this "freedom" can be very stressful for some. 

     Teachers don't stop worrying about their children just because it's summer. In fact, in some cases, they worry more. Are their students being fed, being take care of by someone each day, and are they safe? This adds to the depression because there isn't much they can do for those kids now that they don't see them everyday.

      Teachers need to take a break and rejuvenate before moving on. They should not feel guilty for taking some time to adjust to their new normal during the summer. Enjoying a cup of coffee before it gets cold, some quite time in the morning, going out to eat lunch like regular people, and even vegging on the couch to catch up on some shows or read a book for enjoyment. Moments like this are powerful motivators. Those with children soak up every moment they can to make up for all the lost time throughout the school year. That quality time is what helps them to get through the next year.

     Because before they know it, the letters have gone out to parents about registration or what class their child will be in for the new school year. School supplies go on sale reminding them that their new year is about to start.

     So the next time you yourself or someone exclaims, "It must be nice to have summers off," know that a teacher inwardly groans knowing that this person doesn't really know what teachers do in the summer. They do everything they can to help make the next school year the best for every child that will enter their classroom doors!