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Teachers pls come in
Short version: How much time did you spend working (eg: lesson planning) over Winter Break during your first year teaching? Pretend you are also going to grad school full-time (9 credits), but classes are not in session at this point.
Long version: I just started grad school for teaching. My program is currently part-time, but will be full-time starting over the summer and through its conclusion in August 2012. Beginning in August, the program requires participants to work as a long-term substitute for an entire school year (yes, while going to school full-time in the evening). Despite the enormous time commitment, I'm so excited to be a part of this program and getting into the teaching profession.
So here's the question. H and I would like to go on vacation over winter break--it's the one time, throughout the entire 18 month program, that participants have time off. I would have 2 days of buffer room, but would otherwise be out of the country (and I would really prefer to completely disconnect so that I may enjoy the vacation). Is this a terrible idea?
Re: Teachers pls come in
I wouldn't do it. For one, yes, you will almost assuredly need some planning time in there. And second, I can guarantee that you will be exhausted, and possibly sick. (I was sick CONSTANTLY during my first year of teaching. I went to Florida over winter break my first year, and spent most of the time in bed with strep throat-- and running around trying to find an urgent care.) Big vacations, while great, are often tiring in and of themselves, even if you're well.
If it were me, I'd plan on taking the time to relax and decompress without worrying about catching flights, sightseeing, etc. Maybe take a nice long weekend with DH in there, but I wouldn't do a big trip.
I was in a part-time graduate program during my first year teaching, and there wasn't a single night or weekend (much less school break) that I didn't spend working on either homework or lesson plans. I distinctly remember spending hours writing up a unit on Paradise Lost over Winter Break that year.
If you do go away, I would make it a short trip close to home. A 3-4 day weekend would give you some away time with your husband without cutting too heavily into the time you will likely need to spend working on plans.
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You are required to be a long term sub? Do they have a job for you? I have been searching endlessly for a long term sub job.
I think you will be very busy. I take grad classes at night for literacy right now and I am pretty busy on top of subbing. It is nice for me though since I am not a long term sub that I can take a day off when I want to catch up on grad work.
I agree about the sick part! I am sick ALL THE TIME!! It never fails- it's always on breaks and weekends.
Also- I coached volleyball for the first half of the year- and when I had a break- All I wanted to do was sit at home and relax. Traveling takes a lot out of you- you might just want to stay close to home and take a mini vacation. There will be plenty of time for you to take a vacation later when you are done.
Just my two cents!
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I planned my wedding while I was student teaching and then taking classes for a second major at the same time (3 classes total). The only way I would agree to getting married during this 5 month pd was if it was easter weekend so we could do our honeymoon right after the wedding like we always planned. To be "free" during our honeymoon I had to create a weeks worth of lesson plans before we left which was very stressful as our final wedding days were drawing very near! When we got back from our honeymoon (although it was extremely enjoyable) I ended up soooo sick from all the stress and high pace activity in my life I ended up being out for 2 days and leaving early 1 day! So you may want to post pone your vaca or just be prepared to have A LOT on your plate!!
Good Luck
Go for it. I think the problem we have as teachers is that we work WAYYYYY too much and forget about ourselves. I would go but would take some things with me or just do a ton of planning the week before you leave so you are all caught up. Or plan your vacation for slightly less than a week and take one of those days as a work day when you go into school and plan.
ETA: I often bring stuff home and never ever touch it, but it's there just in case I get inspired! You really need a break, this is how teachers burn out and burn out fast.
Do it! I've been teaching full time, and going to grad school full time for almost 2 years. I don't do work over breaks. It's my time to recharge. We usually go away too. I helps me come back to the classroom rested and refreshed.
GL!
Thanks so much for your feedback, teacher Nesties!
I was looking at my school calendar, and I actually have off for 2 weeks in May of this year (before the program ramps up to full-time). I might consider doing this instead...especially b/c the trip would be significantly less expensive. Btw-the trip we're planning involves laying on the beach in the Caribbean
Jkip0705-the program recruits for high-need content areas in high-need schools, meaning placement in a long-term position is guaranteed (especially since the program is a partnership between the school system and the university where I'm taking classes). I realize this is rare. I hope you're able to find a long-term gig soon!