Everyone always says teachers are so lucky because they get a summer vacation. I'm not going to lie, when I looked into what job I wanted to pursue, a summer vacation made teaching look even more desirable. However, it wasn't until I became a teacher and truly realized how much a summer vacation is needed for teachers.
1.) Sleep.
Teachers need a summer vacation to catch up on the zzzzzs they miss throughout the school year. There were many times that I would watch the sun rise and the sun set at the school to finish some grading, last minute lesson planning, run an early morning rehearsal with some of my speech students, have a staff meeting, help a student after school with an assignment they may be struggling with, etc. For all the days of waking up early and staying up late to finish work, teachers deserve to catch up on some sleep in the summer.
2.) "Me Time"
Throughout the school year, I craved time to just sit down and relax. I wanted to just read a book, go sit outside for hours with nothing to do, or just have some time to myself. Unfortunately due to the busy schedules teachers have, they get very little time throughout the year to have that "me time" that everyone needs once in a while.
3.) Family and Friend Time.
Throughout the school year, it seems as if I miss some time with my friends or family. Sometimes I have to cancel plans or say no to plans because of my busy schedule. Fortunately, I am able to have the summer to spend that time with my friends and family. I am able to go spend a couple days with my grandparents and enjoy lunch with them. I am able to visit friends from other states that I may have missed out in seeing throughout the school year. Teachers need that time to reconnect and spend some much needed time with friends and family.
4.) To Prepare.
For the first month of summer, I refused to look at any of my textbooks or think about any of the lessons that I taught throughout the school year. However after that month went by, I spent a lot of time fixing and adjusting some of the lessons that didn't go as planned this year. I spent time looking for new lessons and activities to help engage my students more. I watched countless videos to find new material to show or teach in class. The time in the summer is great to gather some great new activities I want to use in my classroom. Summer allows teachers time to regroup and regather their thoughts, to plan and prepare better for the upcoming year.
5.) To reenergize and recharge!
One of my teachers in high school always use to say, "Teachers are like batteries, we will eventually run out of steam and we need that summer sun to recharge." I couldn't agree with this statement more. Summer gives teacher time to relax so they can recharge and get ready for the upcoming school year! After having a couple of months to relax, I now feel recharged enough to greet my students with a lot of energy and a smile every morning!
