There's a mantra between teachers...we always count down to vacation. Doesn't matter what kind of vacation--it can even be a measley 3 day weekend...we always count down to it. We even have countdowns on the board so we can count down with the kids. Now, if you're not a teacher, I can hear you saying, "teachers are always on vacation! You get 3 months off + all gov't holidays, etc, etc." Yes, we get many days off in the year, but every "non teacher" that has entered my classroom understands why we need the days off.
just to preface: I have no reason to be stressed out right now. I actually love my job and because I'm not in a traditional self contained classroom (read: I don't teach all the subjects to one class) I don't have the stressors a regular classroom teacher has right now. I am simply counting the days to fit in with the other teachers. haha. Also, I wasn't working for so long (in SC, I finished the school year in June and didn't get a job in Hawaii until November!) so I'm pretty refreshed and like going to work.
So this is my blog to defend all the teachers out there, counting down the days to vacation. (or in Carrie and Amanda's case: off track!!)
Teachers need vacation because:
... They are responsible for 18+ students. Everyday. Think about your last encounter with a child over 5 years old. Now add about 18 more of them. Yeah.
... Now think about those 18+ kids and add to that the grading of their papers. You think your paperwork sucks? Try reading 18+ papers on the same topic. With spelling mistakes.
... So you're excited for Christmas? Multiply that energy by 100 and you get a kid's excitement for Christmas. Now think of a classroom full of that! I only have about 7 students at a time now and they drive me crazy!
... Winter time calls for rain/inclement weather. That means the kids don't go out to play. They're in the classroom all day...pent up with energy + holiday excitement.
... Endless singing of Christmas carols. Now, I know those who work in retail have to hear it all day, everyday too. But this singing is from students who can't sing on key for the life of them.
...Winter break usually marks the middle of the school year. That means quarterly testing...try making your own child sit and take a test during the holiday season. Not. Fun.
I'm sure there are tons more and my teacher friends can attest to it all. But nonetheless, teaching is quite rewarding and it all is worth it. Sure, our closets are full of random Christmas gifts and we're all pretty sick of making those reindeer candy canes for the students (c'mon, you know you've made them!) But nothing is more rewarding than to get that one Christmas card from a student/parent that expresses their gratitude that you're their teacher. :)
Just two more days, teachers!
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