The Edutopia Poll
by Sara Bernard
Is summer break actually a break? Despite the oft-repeated consensus of the general public that, thanks to summer vacation, teachers have it easy, the fact remains that for many teachers, work never stops -- this time of year is often filled with major projects, professional-development activities, preparation for the following school year, or even temporary jobs. Is pure relaxation possible, or is this extra work part of the job?
summers
Submitted by corey 234 (not verified) on October 25, 2007 - 09:18.
I think summers spent however the person wants them spent.
Summers
Submitted by Irene Baker (not verified) on October 1, 2007 - 19:30.
I teach several professional development day workshops for my district. Also, this past summer I taught summer school to elementary ELL students.
Summers are spent reviewing
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on August 2, 2007 - 08:16.
Summers are spent reviewing long term assignments for what went well and what needs to be changed. Planning for the coming year. Reviewing records for new students to plan for their specific needs. Reading new books to introduce to the students. Redoing tests. Reading for personal pleasure, quilting, gardening, visiting friends, doctor/dentist appointments and enjoying the lack of specific schedules. Basically recovering from one year and preparing for the new year to be refreshed and renewed to be the best teacher that the kids deserve.
I do all of my routine car
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on August 2, 2007 - 06:27.
I do all of my routine car maintenence, medical and dental work during the summer which keeps me from dealing with subs during the year. The two surgeries I have needed were done on my summer break as well. So far I have been luck enough (19 years), to have not taken any sick days! This year I also scheduled my wedding for mid-summer.
Summer Projects
Submitted by Bill Betzen (not verified) on July 25, 2007 - 06:59.
In addition to home improvement projects I spend several hours every morning googling "school dropout" articles in the national news. I search for people working on high school dropout issues and email them about the Middle School Archive Project that appears to be making a difference at our school. It is my hobby. I hope several other middle schools join us by getting a 300+ pound vault donated to bolt to the floor in their lobby to house letters from 8th graders until their 10-year class reunions. At that reunion we also have the former students speak with current students about what they learned the past 10 years. Would they do anything different if they were 13 again? Google "dropout cure" for more details at the first hit.
summer vacation
Submitted by Linda Mackenzie (not verified) on July 21, 2007 - 20:44.
It takes me at least a month to finish up year-end loose ends and catch up on school-related things that I had always intended to get to, but never did during the school year. After that I make an effort to do things not related to school for several weeks--hike, fish, read non-education books, etc. Due to the availability of technology and communications, it is very hard to get away from it, but I do try. Then I spend some time playing with tech stuff that I really do need to learn. I can't really focus on it during the school year. Fortunately, I do consider that fun and relaxing. Finally, the last few weeks are a competition between what I really want to do (non-school) and what I really need to do to get ready for the next school year.
This summer I have/will
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on July 21, 2007 - 18:31.
This summer I have/will garden, read,and visit family & friends. I am also taking a class beginning next week. I have been spending about a half day a week at my new school. In addition, I am co-owner of our antique business. So summer means some big out-of-town antique shows and catching up on paperwork! I wouldn't say my summers are restful. They are have a more flexable schedule and are a different pace from the school year.
summer
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on July 20, 2007 - 16:49.
My first thought is that I take it easy and relax. But I also worked in a vacation academy for 5 days. I'll attend at least 2 workshops, one paid and one not paid. I, hopefully, will be in another three day technology seminar. And I catch up on all my reading. I finally have time to read edutopia the way I would like to read it all year long. And finally, I get to spend time with my own kids. That's fun.
How we spend our summers
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on July 19, 2007 - 21:52.
As a Home Schooling Mom of one we have spent our summer this year going to the beach, hanging out (some much needed goof off time) cleaning, swimming, watching movies, cooking special dinners and trying not to melt at 110 degrees!
Homeschooling one child does
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on August 2, 2007 - 08:12.
Homeschooling one child does not in any manner compare with teaching classes full time. You make your own schedule. We don't. You have no pressure to follow curriculum, track data, deal with personal/interpersonal student relationships, school board demands, CEU requirements,correcting hundreds of papers, planning for individual differences, inclusion, disabilities,...and the list goes on.
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