This will be my last year of teaching

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:I would have a very hard time getting back in the swing of things after three months off too. Thankfully it is a minor miracle if I can get even a week off, and usually have to work some when "off," so I never have to get back in the groove after a long break.

OP here. I worked summer school and camp. I worked all summer, barring two weeks off.

Now you're gonna tell me I'm burned out.

But isn't it your choice to work summers?

It is presumably your choice to work too.

Many teachers work in the summer to put bread on the table, pay the mortgage, etc . . .

The job allows a break because it is needed. If you choose to be shortsighted and work through because you can't live within your budget, it is good to accept the consequences, a new career.

Let me first say that teachers often don't get the respect they deserve, but I can't agree that teachers "need a break," at least any more than anyone else. Yes, it can be taxing work, but lots and lots of people have taxing work and get nowhere near the time off teachers do and working over the summer shouldn't leave a teacher so exhausted that he/she can't handle the new school year since virtually every other job requires people to worn year round.

Have you ever taught, PP?

Nope, but do you think that teaching is so uniquely taxing that they need 3 months off to recharge when cops, firefighters, plumbers, doctors, folks working 80 hours per week in Biglaw, pilots, etc manage to work the whole year?

Nothing wrong with teachers enjoying the time off an the salary partly reflects that, but the idea that teachers need the time off to function just doesn't resonate given all the other professions that somehow manage to worn full time.

The OP worked all summer. And no teacher has three months off. Two months at best.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:I would have a very hard time getting back in the swing of things after three months off too. Thankfully it is a minor miracle if I can get even a week off, and usually have to work some when "off," so I never have to get back in the groove after a long break.

OP here. I worked summer school and camp. I worked all summer, barring two weeks off.

Now you're gonna tell me I'm burned out.

But isn't it your choice to work summers?

It is presumably your choice to work too.

Many teachers work in the summer to put bread on the table, pay the mortgage, etc . . .

The job allows a break because it is needed. If you choose to be shortsighted and work through because you can't live within your budget, it is good to accept the consequences, a new career.

Let me first say that teachers often don't get the respect they deserve, but I can't agree that teachers "need a break," at least any more than anyone else. Yes, it can be taxing work, but lots and lots of people have taxing work and get nowhere near the time off teachers do and working over the summer shouldn't leave a teacher so exhausted that he/she can't handle the new school year since virtually every other job requires people to worn year round.

Have you ever taught, PP?

Nope, but do you think that teaching is so uniquely taxing that they need 3 months off to recharge when cops, firefighters, plumbers, doctors, folks working 80 hours per week in Biglaw, pilots, etc manage to work the whole year?

Nothing wrong with teachers enjoying the time off an the salary partly reflects that, but the idea that teachers need the time off to function just doesn't resonate given all the other professions that somehow manage to worn full time.

The OP worked all summer. And no teacher has three months off. Two months at best.

And what other job offers two months off? As to OP working the summer, yes that is true. But this whole discussion got started by saying that teaching is designed to offer a two month break and that break is needed because of the rigors of the job. Therefor, according to the pp, OP got what she deserved by not taking the needed break. I took issue with the idea that teachers need a break when so many other professionals with as or more demanding jobs somehow manage to work the whole year.

Teachers who choose to take a break fine. Those who choose to work over the summer, fine. But the fact that someone worked over the summer, as did 99% of other people, shouldn't render a teacher so wiped to be unable to function.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would have a very hard time getting back in the swing of things after three months off too. Thankfully it is a minor miracle if I can get even a week off, and usually have to work some when "off," so I never have to get back in the groove after a long break.

OP here. I worked summer school and camp. I worked all summer, barring two weeks off.

Now you're gonna tell me I'm burned out.

But isn't it your choice to work summers?

It is presumably your choice to work too.

Many teachers work in the summer to put bread on the table, pay the mortgage, etc . . .

The job allows a break because it is needed. If you choose to be shortsighted and work through because you can't live within your budget, it is good to accept the consequences, a new career.

Let me first say that teachers often don't get the respect they deserve, but I can't agree that teachers "need a break," at least any more than anyone else. Yes, it can be taxing work, but lots and lots of people have taxing work and get nowhere near the time off teachers do and working over the summer shouldn't leave a teacher so exhausted that he/she can't handle the new school year since virtually every other job requires people to worn year round.

Have you ever taught, PP?

Nope, but do you think that teaching is so uniquely taxing that they need 3 months off to recharge when cops, firefighters, plumbers, doctors, folks working 80 hours per week in Biglaw, pilots, etc manage to work the whole year?

Nothing wrong with teachers enjoying the time off an the salary partly reflects that, but the idea that teachers need the time off to function just doesn't resonate given all the other professions that somehow manage to worn full time.

Oh, please! There is no harder job than being a teacher, especially these days when so many teachers are expected to manage ridiculous curriculum demands on top of parents who are so type A about their little ones, I'd like to see any of you be in a room with 25 elementary students every day of the week and not want to rip your hair out at the end of the week. Hell, most of you women on this board get so upset if your nanny is 15 mins late, God forbid you might have to parent full time. Teachers do not get the full Summer off and yes, they do have to supplement their income, because, news flash, teachers don't get paid a lot. Certainly not the kind of money an executive gets and their job is just as if not more stressful. Time off to function? Yes, there is nothing wrong with my child's teacher taken much needed time to have a mental recoup and be refreshed and ready to start the new school year. I am only sorry that budgets don't allow proper compensation so teachers can have the luxury of not working summer teacher and summer camps which, when you think of it, provide no mental break from the actual job of teaching.

[Anonymous]

The long break in the summer is because we used to be an agrarian society. Children were needed in the summer to bring in the harvest. That there is a long break is just incidental to teachers. If you wish to change that and have children go to school in the summer, get involved.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The long break in the summer is because we used to be an agrarian society. Children were needed in the summer to bring in the harvest. That there is a long break is just incidental to teachers. If you wish to change that and have children go to school in the summer, get involved.

Um, nope. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/debunking-myth-summer-vacation/

[Anonymous]

Where is this mythical 3 months off? I finished on June 21 and returned on August 21.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If this is how you feel, I respect you for walking away, assuming you do it next year if your mindset doesn't change. We had a lot of great teachers at my (well regarded) public school, but also a ton who had stopped caring years before (assuming they ever did) and simply mailed it in year after year.

OP here. I had a good run. This is the beginning of my 10th year. I'm just so weary. Too much giving, giving, giving.

What are you going to do instead?

I don't know. I'm an educated, intelligent person. I have an M.A. and an additional 36 hours. I'll find something. I don't need to make a huge salary... only about 60k.

Policy jobs abound in this area. You could work in education policy and try to effect change to make it better for teachers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Where is this mythical 3 months off? I finished on June 21 and returned on August 21.

How does that help your broader point? What other job in the US provides two full months off? Virtually none.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would have a very hard time getting back in the swing of things after three months off too. Thankfully it is a minor miracle if I can get even a week off, and usually have to work some when "off," so I never have to get back in the groove after a long break.

OP here. I worked summer school and camp. I worked all summer, barring two weeks off.

Now you're gonna tell me I'm burned out.

But isn't it your choice to work summers?

It is presumably your choice to work too.

Many teachers work in the summer to put bread on the table, pay the mortgage, etc . . .

The job allows a break because it is needed. If you choose to be shortsighted and work through because you can't live within your budget, it is good to accept the consequences, a new career.

Let me first say that teachers often don't get the respect they deserve, but I can't agree that teachers "need a break," at least any more than anyone else. Yes, it can be taxing work, but lots and lots of people have taxing work and get nowhere near the time off teachers do and working over the summer shouldn't leave a teacher so exhausted that he/she can't handle the new school year since virtually every other job requires people to worn year round.

Have you ever taught, PP?

Nope, but do you think that teaching is so uniquely taxing that they need 3 months off to recharge when cops, firefighters, plumbers, doctors, folks working 80 hours per week in Biglaw, pilots, etc manage to work the whole year?

Nothing wrong with teachers enjoying the time off an the salary partly reflects that, but the idea that teachers need the time off to function just doesn't resonate given all the other professions that somehow manage to worn full time.

Oh, please! There is no harder job than being a teacher, especially these days when so many teachers are expected to manage ridiculous curriculum demands on top of parents who are so type A about their little ones, I'd like to see any of you be in a room with 25 elementary students every day of the week and not want to rip your hair out at the end of the week. Hell, most of you women on this board get so upset if your nanny is 15 mins late, God forbid you might have to parent full time. Teachers do not get the full Summer off and yes, they do have to supplement their income, because, news flash, teachers don't get paid a lot. Certainly not the kind of money an executive gets and their job is just as if not more stressful. Time off to function? Yes, there is nothing wrong with my child's teacher taken much needed time to have a mental recoup and be refreshed and ready to start the new school year. I am only sorry that budgets don't allow proper compensation so teachers can have the luxury of not working summer teacher and summer camps which, when you think of it, provide no mental break from the actual job of teaching.

We would all love the "luxury" of two months off for a mental health break. We would probably be better workers and almost certainly would be happier. But you know what, we don't get that and yet we manage, even though we work jobs that are as hard or harder than teaching.

I don't begrudge teachers that take all or most of their summer off. All the power to them. But I have little sympathy for those that choose to/have to work over the summer and then complain about how unfair that is and how much of a burden it places on their mental health and their ability to effectively teach come the new school year. Sorry, all us other working stiffs work all summer and manage to survive, so can you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would have a very hard time getting back in the swing of things after three months off too. Thankfully it is a minor miracle if I can get even a week off, and usually have to work some when "off," so I never have to get back in the groove after a long break.

OP here. I worked summer school and camp. I worked all summer, barring two weeks off.

Now you're gonna tell me I'm burned out.

But isn't it your choice to work summers?

It is presumably your choice to work too.

Many teachers work in the summer to put bread on the table, pay the mortgage, etc . . .

The job allows a break because it is needed. If you choose to be shortsighted and work through because you can't live within your budget, it is good to accept the consequences, a new career.

Not OP, but if my DH and I (both teachers) lived within a budget of what we earn teaching we could not afford to live in Montgomery Co. with three kids. Two of whom go to state colleges and work part-time. My DH has to coach and teach college courses part-time. I have to tutor and work PT at a small design firm. We've talked about moving to PG County, but the commute to our schools from an affordable area in PG would kill what little family time we have and require us to hire childcare for the youngest child to get to/from school. We're very frugal and live simply, but this area is just too expensive. We both have grad degrees in our subject areas and our friends who are Feds or private sector with the same education are out earning us by almost 1/3. Once our youngest graduates, we are gone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would have a very hard time getting back in the swing of things after three months off too. Thankfully it is a minor miracle if I can get even a week off, and usually have to work some when "off," so I never have to get back in the groove after a long break.

OP here. I worked summer school and camp. I worked all summer, barring two weeks off.

Now you're gonna tell me I'm burned out.

But isn't it your choice to work summers?

It is presumably your choice to work too.

Many teachers work in the summer to put bread on the table, pay the mortgage, etc . . .

The job allows a break because it is needed. If you choose to be shortsighted and work through because you can't live within your budget, it is good to accept the consequences, a new career.

Not OP, but if my DH and I (both teachers) lived within a budget of what we earn teaching we could not afford to live in Montgomery Co. with three kids. Two of whom go to state colleges and work part-time. My DH has to coach and teach college courses part-time. I have to tutor and work PT at a small design firm. We've talked about moving to PG County, but the commute to our schools from an affordable area in PG would kill what little family time we have and require us to hire childcare for the youngest child to get to/from school. We're very frugal and live simply, but this area is just too expensive. We both have grad degrees in our subject areas and our friends who are Feds or private sector with the same education are out earning us by almost 1/3. Once our youngest graduates, we are gone.

I feel for you, PP. Too many teachers are in the same situation. Meanwhile more people in the upper income bracket move here every year demanding their kid's education be world class and don't see the disconnect between that and treating the teachers like serfs. At our well-regarded NOVA HS at least 30 teachers have left in the past 2 years because of cost of living considerations. It's a real problem.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would have a very hard time getting back in the swing of things after three months off too. Thankfully it is a minor miracle if I can get even a week off, and usually have to work some when "off," so I never have to get back in the groove after a long break.

OP here. I worked summer school and camp. I worked all summer, barring two weeks off.

Now you're gonna tell me I'm burned out.

But isn't it your choice to work summers?

It is presumably your choice to work too.

Many teachers work in the summer to put bread on the table, pay the mortgage, etc . . .

The job allows a break because it is needed. If you choose to be shortsighted and work through because you can't live within your budget, it is good to accept the consequences, a new career.

Let me first say that teachers often don't get the respect they deserve, but I can't agree that teachers "need a break," at least any more than anyone else. Yes, it can be taxing work, but lots and lots of people have taxing work and get nowhere near the time off teachers do and working over the summer shouldn't leave a teacher so exhausted that he/she can't handle the new school year since virtually every other job requires people to worn year round.

Have you ever taught, PP?

Nope, but do you think that teaching is so uniquely taxing that they need 3 months off to recharge when cops, firefighters, plumbers, doctors, folks working 80 hours per week in Biglaw, pilots, etc manage to work the whole year?

Nothing wrong with teachers enjoying the time off an the salary partly reflects that, but the idea that teachers need the time off to function just doesn't resonate given all the other professions that somehow manage to worn full time.

I haven't taught either but I tend to agree. There are other very taxing jobs out there that don't have the summer off. How about nursing? That has to be exhausting. I agree teaching must be exhausting too - but its not the only job that is exhausting.

Sure I have an office job and don't have to be "on" all the time. But I sure could use a break to recharge after 25 years of working.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would have a very hard time getting back in the swing of things after three months off too. Thankfully it is a minor miracle if I can get even a week off, and usually have to work some when "off," so I never have to get back in the groove after a long break.

OP here. I worked summer school and camp. I worked all summer, barring two weeks off.

Now you're gonna tell me I'm burned out.

But isn't it your choice to work summers?

It is presumably your choice to work too.

Many teachers work in the summer to put bread on the table, pay the mortgage, etc . . .

The job allows a break because it is needed. If you choose to be shortsighted and work through because you can't live within your budget, it is good to accept the consequences, a new career.

Not OP, but if my DH and I (both teachers) lived within a budget of what we earn teaching we could not afford to live in Montgomery Co. with three kids. Two of whom go to state colleges and work part-time. My DH has to coach and teach college courses part-time. I have to tutor and work PT at a small design firm. We've talked about moving to PG County, but the commute to our schools from an affordable area in PG would kill what little family time we have and require us to hire childcare for the youngest child to get to/from school. We're very frugal and live simply, but this area is just too expensive. We both have grad degrees in our subject areas and our friends who are Feds or private sector with the same education are out earning us by almost 1/3. Once our youngest graduates, we are gone.

I know a family of five in moco who are surviving on one salary (a teacher). So its possible, though challenging. We are making it on one federal income (GS-13) in moco so I feel your pain.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If this is how you feel, I respect you for walking away, assuming you do it next year if your mindset doesn't change. We had a lot of great teachers at my (well regarded) public school, but also a ton who had stopped caring years before (assuming they ever did) and simply mailed it in year after year.

OP here. I had a good run. This is the beginning of my 10th year. I'm just so weary. Too much giving, giving, giving.

What are you going to do instead?

I don't know. I'm an educated, intelligent person. I have an M.A. and an additional 36 hours. I'll find something. I don't need to make a huge salary... only about 60k.

Sounds like you got used to having a lax schedule and can't handle a real job anymore.

I'm not the OP but go away. Teaching is a hard profession and it is parents like you who make the job insufferable.

+100 The ignorance on here is appalling. As others have said, too many people have no idea how much teachers work, and coach and counsel and be on committees and attend unending meetings, all for a salary that most people on here seem to sniff at.

OP, I applaud you for the 10 years you have given to teaching. I suspect most of the nasty commenters wouldn't last a year. Hope you find something else that is rewarding to you. Life is too short.

Some teachers do all that you mentioned and those people I applaud. But way to any teachers do far less than that and simply coast . We had teachers who would literally pop in a video two or three days a week and just sit (or even nap) in the back of the class and this was at a good school. I am a fed and we have the same issue; lots of really dedicated people and lots of dead weight. But it is very hard to get rid of the latter, especially given the unions efforts to fight to protect the mediocre at best , rather than permitting any form of meritocracy that could attract better people to teaching and or the gov.

Impossible. No admin would ever let this sort of thing happen. Particularly at a school with high performing students. It's all push, push extend extend learning.

[Anonymous]

How much does a GS 13 make PP?