12 Reasons Why Teachers Enjoy Summer Vacation

We're now into three weeks of summer vacation and I've fully surrended to it.  I figured I'd better make a list before summer is over, so here it is.

1. Naps.  A summer day is incomplete without a nap.
2. Low stress.  What is there to worry about?  Not much.
3. Lack of constant recurring "Mr. Fix" questions, requests, or complaints from middle schoolers. When I see a middle schooler out and about, it's very comforting to know that I don't have to worry about their behavior.
4. Weekdays are just like weekend days.  What day is it today?  I don't know.  Sundays are like Tuesdays.  Saturdays are like Mondays. There is nothing more satisfying than going to a late movie Sunday night and not worrying about going to work the next day. You almost feel sorry for those saps that have to go into work Mondays.  Almost.
5. No parent emails.  I don't have to cringe when I check my work email (why would I check my work email?) and see those helicopter parents' names in the inbox.
6. Running errands during the day.  It's not enjoyable to do errands, but it is more pleasant to go into a store at 10am on a weekday when stores are less crowded.
7. Exercise.  I can do any kind of exercise, any time during the day, then of course take the required nap after.
8. Trips.  I can take that hiking trip, biking trip, trip to the lake, etc.
9. Chores.  Not fun, but I have time to do them, and time to procrastinate.
10. Read.  I don't have to feel guilty reading instead of correcting papers, lesson planning, etc.
11. Summer still has a special place in my life.  Most adults don't get to enjoy summers anymore.  It was a special time only during childhood.  I glad I don't have to give that up.
12. Recharge my brain.  When summer ends (shudder), I will be more than ready to take on the new school year with fresh new ideas.

My only complaint about summer break?  It's way too short.

Comments

[George]

Great insight into what goes on in a normal day for teachers. I especially liked the 10th item in the list - reading without feeling "guilty" about it!