I wonder how many teachers would admit that one of the reasons that they became a teacher was to have their summers off. I don’t think most people envy teachers during the 10 month school year but I have to believe that there are an awful lot of people out there in the workforce who envy teachers during the summer months. Imagine all those folks that were on the verge of becoming a teacher and then at the last second decided not to and are now stuck in a cubicle for the next months.

Most school years last for 182 days. Most school days last from 8am-3pm. That is 1,272 hours per year.
Most normal work years last for 250 days. Most work days last from 9am-5pm. That is 2,000 hours per year.

What do teachers do during the summer? Some find some work (summer school, camps, tutoring...), some do nothing (and I mean nothing! Good for them!).

Most teachers have the option of receiving either 10 or 12 paychecks during the year. Personally, I get 10 paychecks fully realizing that I am not going to get paychecks in July and August.

Some people misunderstand the term “Year Round School” to mean that teachers teach more days during the year but they do not. The way a year round schedule works is: you teach for 3 months and then you get a month off and the it’s the school that is open year round. Teachers are on different cycles which means that there are some “floater” teachers who are constantly teaching in a classroom that is currently on break. These “floaters” are usually the least senior teachers on staff. Most teachers that I know who are on a year round schedule (and not “floaters”) absolutely love it. Those who do have to teach in August are usually in air conditioned classrooms so the heat does not bother them too much. They also boast that their vacation times are the least crowded at their destinations.

I would have written more but I am now on vacation! (Just kidding, I'll be back blogging next week!)