What People Think A Teacher’s Summer Is Like Vs. What It’s Really Like

“You’re so lucky you get to do absolutely nothing all summer!”

What people think it's like:

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What it's really like:

Paramount Pictures

Being off for eight weeks in the summer sounds great to non-teachers, but what they don't realize is that it's eight weeks without earning any money. To bring home the bacon, many teachers teach summer school (or pick up seasonal jobs).

What people think it's like:

Buena Vista Pictures

What it's really like:

Flickr: departmentofed / Via Creative Commons

Professional development is a big part of a teacher's summer. This means attending seminars and classes to become a better, more effective teacher.

What people think it's like:

Epic Records

What it's really like:

ABC

Most teachers use the summer to read new books on teaching (or classic ones) and acquaint themselves with the latest pedagogy.

What people think it's like:

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What it's really like:

Flickr: innovationschool / Via Creative Commons

Teachers meet with their grade level or subject team during the summer to plan and prepare for the new year.

What people think it's like:

HBO

What it's really like:

Flickr: thenationalguard / Via Creative Commons

Teachers spend an average of $500 of their own money on classroom supplies each year, and a good deal of that is spent during the summer in anticipation of the new school year.

What people think it's like:

FX

What it's really like:

Pinterest.com

Teachers have more time to surf the web in the summer, and spend much of it on Pinterest looking for cool tips, lessons, and ideas they can use in their classroom.

What people think it's like:

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What it's really like:

Fox Searchlight

Working on lesson plans is a huge part of what a teacher does in the summer. Teachers re-tool lessons that didn't go so well the previous year, create brand-new ones, and get a sore backside from spending so much time in their seat, typing.

What people think it's like:

ridemonkey.com

What it's really like:

Flickr: tamuc / Via Creative Commons

The summer is also when teachers focus on mastering new technology (like interactive whiteboards) and plot how to incorporate it into their lessons.

What people think it's like:

Paramount Pictures

What it's really like:

Flickr: snigl3t / Via Creative Commons

Teachers generally spend the week before school starts setting up their classroom so it's ready on the first day of school. This includes creating bulletin boards, setting up learning centers, and a whole lot more.

What people think it's like:

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What it's really like:

blisstree.com

OK, so teachers do get some down time in the summer, too, and that's a good thing. It allows them to relax, reflect on the previous year, and recharge for the new one so that when the first bell rings they can be the best educators they can be.