It’s amazing how many non-teacher Americans get angry, frustrated, and even downright rude about a teacher’s summer. When June comes around, so follows resentment. The vitriol is then repeated in late August when students report back to school. But here’s the thing – these people need to channel their criticisms towards producing a greater cultural shift. Yes, everyone should have their own version of a teacher’s summer. Every year.
“No Vacation Nation”
Why? America has been labeled the “No Vacation Nation.” Forbes Magazine supports that by noting we’re the only industrialized country that doesn’t have government mandated vacation. In comparison, the European Union requires 20 days of guaranteed vacation to all workers. Comparatively, the average American worker receives about 15 days of vacation, less than 25% of Americans use all of it in a calendar year. Nearly 15% didn’t use any of it at all. Why is that? There are a variety of reasons, but most of them focus on being too busy at work or fear of missing out on a business opportunity.
And when Americans do go on vacation, so many of them take work with them. There is no full disconnect from the office, and it often competes with the family, friends, and fun associated with the getaway.
Here’s another interesting stat – almost 22% of American workers receive no vacation whatsoever.
While Americans Work…
Other developed nations provide their employees with nearly a month of vacation to rest and rejuvenate themselves. They have argued that a worker given more voluntary leave is a happier worker, and a happier worker is a more productive one. And some of the western countries that offer the most vacation are among the fastest growing economies in the world.
Sure, there are 10 federal holidays, but not everyone is granted them. Heck, this year a conservative think tank and a few other companies required their employees to work on Labor Day as a protest to the labor unions and their “strong-arm tactics.” We’re working more because our employers are telling us to do so.
Teachers in the Crosshairs
It’s a shame that a culture of American overwork and maybe even workaholism denigrates the teaching profession for “having off the summers.” Teachers work an average of 53 hours a week during the school year. If we didn’t work past our contract day, parents and students wouldn’t see the great lessons and learning that they do in the classroom.
And when the school year winds to a close in June, teachers do earn some time off. But it’s not the treasure trove of free time that the average American thinks it is. There are plenty of things that we need to do over the summer. There are meetings to meet for our employers. For many teachers, the summer is the only time to improve their lesson plans. Others spend time with their own children rather than sharing their time with 200 others.
Summer Vacation for Teachers
All-in-all, I’d estimate the average teacher gets 6 weeks of summer vacation to use for themselves. It’s a good amount to do a variety of things, but mostly it’s to recharge. And it’s something I didn’t realize until this summer, the first one I refused to work and took entirely for myself.
I absolutely love the teacher summer for a variety of reasons. I can relax by the pool for a couple of days. I can travel and learn more about the curriculum that I’ll be teaching this January. I can ignore school board meetings, after-school detention, curriculum mapping, and spend time with my wife and family. I can fine-tune my lessons for the benefit of my students and place them on TeachersPayTeachers.com.
Why Other Professions Deserve Their Own Summer
But, most of all, I get to hit the reset button each year. Why aren’t other professions afforded this luxury? The question may sound rhetorical, but it’s not. We’re a nation of busy bees who, instead of changing the hive, point our stingers at the teacher.
Instead, let’s focus on changing the culture. Let’s focus our efforts to obtain a “summer off” for every professional. It doesn’t have to coincide with teachers’ and it doesn’t have to be during the summer, but Americans should be demanding more time off. The chiding comments about lazy teachers watching Maury Povich in June, July, and August needs to be put to pasture. Whether it’s guaranteed by the American government or something negotiated with an employer, it’s something our nation needs to pursue. Yes, everyone should have their own version of a teacher’s summer. Every year.
