The TRUTH About What Teachers Really Do During the Summer!
I know what you're thinking. You've seen the pictures on Facebook and Instagram — teacher friends living it up! There they are: partying, vacationing, shopping, girls' weekends, spa days, fun in the sun, maybe an adult beverage or two. And you know what? Every teacher deserves to unwind, rejuvenate, and enjoy some well-earned rest.
Those same teachers are also spending precious time with their own children — trips to the zoo, water parks, beaches, and amusement parks. As it should be. These are hard-working, dedicated people, and summer is their time too.
But let me tell you the fuller truth.
Yes, teachers enjoy some of those leisure moments — just not as many as you might imagine. Because even in the middle of summer, teachers are thinking about kids. They wonder about the students who just left their classrooms. They write letters to check in. Some even organize a picnic, a movie outing, or a pizza get-together with former students and their families. That's not obligation — that's love for the job.
And then there's the work. Teachers spend many days — often many weeks — engaged in professional development. They attend workshops, team meetings, grade-level planning sessions, and curriculum committees, all before the first day of school ever arrives. They study best practices, map out social-emotional learning plans, learn new curriculum, and refine lessons to better reach every child in their care. They also spend their own money stocking their classrooms with supplies and materials for the new group of kids they'll soon call their own.
How do I know all of this? Because I'm a retired teacher — and I spent many summers doing consulting work for Responsive Classroom®. I've had the privilege of meeting extraordinary educators from across the country who willingly gave up days of their summer vacation to grow in their craft. Their enthusiasm, focus, and commitment were remarkable. The four-day course I taught is just one of the many ways teachers choose to invest in themselves during their so-called "time off."
It makes you wonder: what if we all had that kind of drive? What if we all used at least some of our downtime to seek growth rather than stand still?
Now that you know the truth about what teachers really do over the summer — go thank one. Tell them they are seen, valued, and deeply appreciated. And parents — your children will be back in their capable hands very soon.
Previously posted July 24, 2018
Summer is not always fun and games!