Spring Break vs. Summer - A teacher's dilemma

[Crazy4mandms]

LeeAnn...I also just graduated with a BS in Education at the "ripe" age of 35! I love the idea of having so much time off for my kids, HOWEVER, remember the real focus here....being in a classroom full of kids everyday and being responsible for their education is not an easy task (despite the fact that some people say teachers are overpaid and underworked!). I'm not trying to discourage you, but before you put all your energy into it, if you haven't already, why not try volunteering in a classroom for a few days or even coaching a sports team, leading a scout den, etc just so you get the "feel" of what its like to work with kids. My kids are 7 and 11 and that is exactly what I've done since my older one was born so by the time I decided that teaching was for me I had already worked with kids in a volunteer capacity for several years and was POSITIVE that it's where I wanted to be!! Also, remember that teaching jobs are hard to come by depending on where you live. Here in NY there is NOTHING but layoffs, but down South they are hiring by the dozens!! Good luck!!

 

[fan_of_wdw]

Before discounting Spring Break, do your homework... DD and I have been at OUR spring break and had a terrific time... CM's said that park was at about 1/3 capacity. Spring Break could be any of about 6 to 8 different weeks, depending on what part of the country you live in. Ours is about a MONTH before Easter.

 

[swilphil]

LeeAnn--I returned to school to become a teacher after I graduated with a journalism degree and worked as a newspaper reporter. It took me about 1 1/2 years to get my high school certification in English and Journalism. That included one full semester of student teaching. It would have taken longer to get my elementary certification. You may be able to do it in even less time with on-line courses.

I do agree with the other poster that the main reason to go into teaching is because you have a passion for the profession. I was also attracted to the schedule, thinking (falsely) that I was going to travel a lot in the summers when I was single. I also liked the fact that I would be able to continue taking classes. I love going to school as a student as much as I love teaching. Really the only way to get a salary increase is get your masters plus additional graduate hours.

I actually took a leave of absence after my second child was born. I found teaching to be both mentally and physically exhausting, so at the end of the day I was too tired to enjoy my son. I taught part-time, which is wonderful, when my oldest turned one. I couldn't afford two in day care on a part time salary. I do plan to return to teaching when my kids are in school.

You might want to look into IT jobs in the school districts, too.

 

[ncligs]

Definately summer. But we always go President's week and summer.

 

[CK1]

A vote here for August, but it does depend upon what you want to do!

We've done WDW in Oct, Dec, Jan, April, July and August.l It can be just as hot in June as August, lemme tell you. And it can be nice in Dec or Jan... or it can be cooollld! (Even by my northerly standards! I'm not a Polar Bear Club Member... if I can see my breath, it's too cold to swim!)Due to kids' schedules, etc., last trip we made was in August. I thought, "Truly, we are NUTS. AUgust? What are we thinking?" We went mid-August (11 to 22). And honestly, it was great! DH and I both felt the crowds were somewhere in-between mid-december (very low low crowds) and DEFNITELY less than July or April. THe kids loved it because the pools felt sooooo good!

One note -- in the 2nd week of August, crowds are moderate and park hrs are long. In the 3rd week, crowds drop BUT so do the hrs. Take a look at this yrs schedule to get an idea.

We liked Aug so much, we're doing it again next yr for a total of 14 days... gluttons for punishment, maybe, but we love the pools, water parks, and how it fits in with our otherwise packed school / sports scheduled lives!

 

[psu1978]

Everyone has given me so much to think about! Because our only spring break coincides with Easter, I am thinking that it may be better to do the summer thing...probably the 2nd or 3rd week of August to avoid the kids summer sports.

I like the idea of cooler weather over spring break, but I'm just not sure we could take the holiday crowds. Our last trip was the 2nd week of December and their were no lines. It rained and was cool, but we were easily able to do everything we wanted without waiting. If that was an option for us....I would do it again.

Thanks for all the great ideas.

 

[5dizneynutz]

Spring Break, better weather!!!