First off, let me tell you how many friends and family are so “jelly” right now(my kids have me talking like them). I get the occasional; “So what are you doing with your life, now that you have off for 2 and a half months?”, I hear the envy in their voices. My best friend keeps joking that he’s going to become a teacher just so he can get the summer off.
Having the summer off is the greatest feeling ever. It takes me back to when I was younger and when I had something to look forward to every year. When you become an adult and have to work everyday of the year, except for some holidays and if you take a vacation, there’s nothing to really look forward too. And I can hear it in all the voices of those close to me.
I also have good news for 1st year teachers; You do get paid in the summer, which means, you don’t have to do anything, if you don’t want too. Of course this is all depending on your school, but its’ usually a give in that you will get paid for the summer. Up until August, including August.(Make sure to review your contract carefully before signing or make sure to ask HR.)
But there is a cost to having this vacation. Depending your subject, school, and kids, you might need every day of a summer vacation to recover. This past school year for me was the hardest year of my life. Fortunately, I have a new job lined up with a better school district, more resources and less responsibilities than my last school. I know it’s still going to be hard, but I’m that more experienced on how to tackle it.
Teaching is a great career, it’s super hard, but there are health line gifts along the way.
Cheers,
-EG
1st Year Texas Teachers 