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I love summers!
AAAHH… summer vacation. As a former public school teacher, summer vacations were sacred. There was not much that could come between summer and me. Don’t ask me to take too many staff developments, and DON’T ask me to teach summer school! Taking two and a half months off meant the difference between healthy wellbeing and checking myself into a mental hospital.
Non-educators tend to argue that teachers get paid for two to three months off, but that is hardly the case. The majority of teachers get paid for ten months, and it is divided evenly throughout the twelve-month year. So one would think that with the potential to earn more by working year-round, teachers would like the idea. This notion tends to be shunned by the majority of the public sector, but why?
I was eating lunch with a few of my educator friends one day. I was describing the work I do now to pay my bills and homeschool my child: package delivery and rideshare. It’s not glamorous, but it helps me to accomplish my family goals. I told them that now, I work mornings, nights, weekends, and summers. One of my friends interjected, “Oh no! I need my summers!” I thought about this comment, and for about twenty seconds, I grieved my summers. Then I realized something. It doesn’t bother me not to have my summers anymore.
Why I Don’t NEED My Summers
I no longer experience the mental strain of the teaching profession. As a new teacher, I had a friend close to retirement. She was so glad to be getting out of there. She told me she was ready to retire because teaching was becoming harder than ever. I remember thinking, “If that’s the case, then you AREN’T doing something right!” Fifteen years later, I understood. Things in the public education sector are constantly changing. I felt like I would become good at something, and then there would be a new initiative, book adoption, program, etc. I constantly felt like I was in a state of being a rookie. This type of strain can take a toll on you, and after dealing with this for ten months, you are definitely in need of a summer off.
Also, as a teacher, it is sometimes just easier to go to work sick than to take the day off. The planning that you have to do to have a substitute in your class can be tricky. On one hand, you want your students to have a productive day without you, but on the other, will the sub do what you say? Do you even have proper plans together? Sometimes, it’s easier to drag yourself into work and do what you can while you’re there.
Now that I create my schedule, I don’t experience the mental fatigue that comes with teaching. So if I’m sick or overly tired, I rest. (Not for too long though… I’m no longer salaried. 😬) I will admit that this lifestyle is not for everyone. As I stated before, it’s NOT glamorous AND it doesn’t pay much, but it gives me what I need (most days): TIME.
Self Care as an Educator
Some people may be reading and wondering: “What does this have to do with self-care? and “I can’t create my own schedule.” You may not be able to create your own work schedule, but you do have control over your time when you come home. If you are an educator, I AM NOT telling you to quit your job! The education system needs you! What I AM telling you is you have a demanding job, and BECAUSE your summers are so important, don’t wait until the summer to start taking care of yourself. I always made the mistake of running myself ragged during the school year and then needing a month and a half to recuperate from the neglect. By the end of my career, I used the other month actively dreading going back! I lived for the weekends, holidays, and definitely the summers. Which means I wasn’t enjoying my present.
They’ll replace you in a minute! No offense, they have to!
So here is why you need to take care of yourself. If you become incapacitated or pass away, school districts will grieve you for a little while and then replace you. Your class has to be covered. However, your family and friends will not get the luxury of a Mom, Aunt, Grandma, or friend replacement.
Do not wait until summer vacation to start eating right, exercising, meditating, spending time with family and friends, etc. You are replaceable to the schools but irreplaceable to the ones you love. If you have already realized this fact and are doing something about it, great job! If not, it’s time you reflect on the role summers play in your life! Is it an extra resting time, or do you spend it as a recuperation period from neglecting yourself and loved ones? There is a difference. Think about these things, and decide to carve out time for you in the school year. Your job is hard enough without you being raggedy, sick, tired, and not motivated when you come home. Take care of yourself 🫶🏾
