In Defense of Breaks

I always find it interesting that the number one question I get asked as a teacher is, "you get paid all summer not to work?". I know that people are asking because they are jealous of such a concept, but it always comes off very condescending. Plus it amazes me that people don't ask questions like, "what is high school like these days?" or "what is your biggest challenge in your job?" or "what are the kids like?". No, the question most asked always is about not working in the summer and getting paid for it.

First of all, it's a misconception. Yes, teachers get a paycheck in the summer, but it's for time already worked. My school district isn't giving me money all summer just to lay in my hammock and read--no, it's money I already worked for. Yes, when you consider how much teachers get paid for the number of days they work, it's good money. Except when you divide it out hourly and realize teachers never work just an eight hour day. It's not uncommon to spend 12 hours working each day. I don't write this to complain--I have a great gig for a job. I love working with high school students, I love my co-workers, I enjoy creating new ideas and seeing them work (and many that do not work), and I love the feeling knowing that everyday I'm doing something good for someone (many times, it's many people). I write this in defense of breaks.

I'm on the last day of a much needed Spring Break. Now the weather has been much more like Winter Break than one would imagine Spring Break to be like, but I'll take it. It's normal for me to want to get back to work after a break. I woke up this morning thinking about what my students need to be successful on the MCA test--a sure sign that break is over, and reality is just around the bend.

And here I sit thinking about all of the items on my to-do list that are left unchecked. Don't get me wrong, I got a lot of items checked off that list, but mostly what remains is school work. Another concept I find intriguing. Most teachers I know will bring home work over a break. Or spend some of their summer working on curriculum for next year. I crave breaks for many reasons, but the biggest is that I know I'll have a chunk of time where I get caught up in paper work or lesson planning. I can't speak for all teachers, but for sure some that I work with with, but we are always thinking about what we can do in our classes. Always. So maybe school districts should start paying us in the summer. I assure you I can think of some great ideas in that hammock.