Teacher taking Vacation to Disney during school year?

[crisi]

Wow. Then you better talk to the board of ed in my town, because not only do they allow teachers to take personal days, they send teachers to professional workshops ON SCHOOL DAYS, which requires a sub to teach their classes. When my DD was in 4th grade, her teacher was one of the reading specialists for our districts. That teacher was gone at least a half a day or a day every two weeks for different conferences, workshops, grant proposal meetings, etc. Each time, a sub was brought it. I think she was out at least 20 days during the year doing this type of thing. Each time, there was a sub. How is that not worse than if she took a few days to go on vacation?

Why should I talk to the board of ed in YOUR town?

 

[crisi]

Not every teacher has a spouse who can get the school vacation weeks or those summer vacation weeks off. Sometimes their work schedule doesn't allow it, and sometimes they might not have enough seniority for those 'prime' vacation weeks. And not every teacher who has children has kids in a school district with the same exact vacation.

The bottom line is: IF THE TEACHER'S CONTRACT ALLOWS IT, THEN NOBODY SHOULD COMPLAIN ABOUT IT.

You know, collective bargaining is under attack in the legislatures. And what is in the teacher's contracts are under attack. I'd pick bigger battles if I were a teacher than "I should get to take time off when I want." And I'd be VERY careful about what the PR takeaway is on statements.

 

[princessmom29]

Hospital can't be planned. Weddings can. I don't think teachers should take planned absences during the school year. If you expect to be respected like professionals, behave like professionals. Respect your business cycle.

I think one can both respect the "cycle" as you keep putting it and take a day or two off. I don't think a teacher taking a couple of days attached to a holiday like Thanksgiving or Mardi Gars is not respecting thier job. I think they are making the best compromise possible for everyone. I know in my case, it is the only way we can vacation some years becuase I have to balance not only my work commitments but DH's as well. Summer is very busy for him and some summers he just cannot get away. Last year christmas and spring break were deadline weeks for for him as well so I took 2 days attached to Thanksgiving break. It was the best compromise we could make, and it was not a critical point in my student's course of study. They were able to function for 2 days without me or i wouldn't have taken them. I wouldn't ever consider taking a week for vacation, but I think it is unrealistic to expect that a teacher never, ever take a couple of days off in a row. My school system SENDS teachers to conferences where they miss a Thursday and Friday every year. They are REQUIRED to attend.

So have you never, ever taken a day off during your "cycle" as you put it???

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

I don't get to take workdays off to go to my kid's school events if I'm booked or busy. I have to plan my vacations and days off around the business cycle. If I'm lucky enough that my kid's school schedules events when I'm not busy, I get to go. But I've missed concerts because I'm traveling several times. This IS NOT UNUSUAL in the working world.

Since I too am in the working world (by your use of that expression, I am sensing contempt for teachers on your part...), I am not always able to make my daughters' school events. However, as any educator can tell you, a parent needs to be involved in his/her child's life. Thus, I make it a priority when possible to make school events. Wouldn't it be hypocritical of a teacher to not be at his/ her child's school for events when research stresses the importance of it? Yet, you are implying that teachers should not be afforded the same opportunity? We too are in the working world, and I can't take days off if I am "booked or busy" at school (days when I am presenting new information, conferences, state testing, months prior to state testing, inservice days where I am presenting...) Non-busy days might be Inservice days (where I was on the committee that prepared the inservice...), a half-day/ full day when my students are assessing or practing a skill that I taught.

 

[AZMermaid]

Hospital can't be planned. Weddings can. I don't think teachers should take planned absences during the school year. If you expect to be respected like professionals, behave like professionals. Respect your business cycle.

I did. I planned my wedding for after testing when the year was winding down. There was no way I was going to have my outdoor wedding in Phoenix in June or July. I would say I am a way better teacher than my colleague who facebooks from her phone in class but misses maybe 1 day a year. That whole school year, I missed 5 days- 3 of which happened to be in a row for the wedding. But we can agree to disagree because I can see you aren't budging.

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

You know, collective bargaining is under attack in the legislatures. And what is in the teacher's contracts are under attack. I'd pick bigger battles if I were a teacher than "I should get to take time off when I want." And I'd be VERY careful about what the PR takeaway is on statements.

No one is arguing this...I don't get to take time off when I want. I submit an approval form to my prinicipal and he grants permission. This is the same process for non-educator family members (including my dh, not a teacher, who you would discredit as he is union).

Surely, no worries about PR takeaway on comments not taken out of context and slanted. You clarified the discussion to be about what people's opinions are on a teacher taking off during the year. Yet, you are now bringing up a discussion over what is in a teacher's contract.

 

[crisi]

Since I too am in the working world (by your use of that expression, I am sensing contempt for teachers on your part...), I am not always able to make my daughters' school events. However, as any educator can tell you, a parent needs to be involved in his/her child's life. Thus, I make it a priority when possible to make school events. Wouldn't it be hypocritical of a teacher to not be at his/ her child's school for events when research stresses the importance of it? Yet, you are implying that teachers should not be afforded the same opportunity? We too are in the working world, and I can't take days off if I am "booked or busy" at school (days when I am presenting new information, conferences, state testing, months prior to state testing, inservice days where I am presenting...) Non-busy days might be Inservice days (where I was on the committee that prepared the inservice...), a half-day/ full day when my students are assessing or practing a skill that I taught.

I have no contempt for teachers. I have contempt for unprofessional behavior.

If it isn't a student contact day for you, then prioritize your life appropriately - make up that inservice time at home. However, I believe kids need their teachers in the classroom regardless of if they are learning new material. If you are only necessary when they learn new material, why do we bother to have school so many days? Why not just have teachers come in once a week and leave kids with aides the rest of the time.

Either you are a necessary professional and your time with my kids is something you have trained to do - and you should get compensated accordingly, but you should take that responsibility seriously - or you aren't, and lets bring in aides, strip pensions, and turn school into daycare - and lets just bring in "real" teachers once a week to cover new material and prep for testing - aides and subs can manage the rest. You don't get to tell me you are a professional and that you should get compensated accordingly, and that its important to have certified teachers in the classroom (all things I believe strongly in) and then say "but my job and my value isn't more important than not getting married in the heat." Or "I can leave the kids with a sub for a week to go to Disney."

If teachers want to be treated with respect (and I have GREAT teachers and friends who are great teachers - no one takes vacation during the school year - I don't know if its permitted here or not), then take your job seriously. Don't leave your students with a sub for vacation.

 

[smitch425]

teachers do deserve respect - what they don't deserve is vacation during the school year. .

Who made you the authority on what teacher's deserve??? Bottom line is this...if it is in THEIR contract then it is THEIR choice. My daughter's teacher bends over backwards to accomodate her students when they miss school due to illness or even miss a day for a vacation. I would show her the same respect. The comment you made makes you sound like the most judgemental person on the planet, not to mention downright rude. BTW, the comment you made about teacher's complaining about not having enough days during contract negotiations is odd to me. I have never even ONCE seen a teacher on tv complaining about this. Generally, the things they fight over are pay and insurance. My SIL is a teacher and she works from 8-7 and goes to her classroom on weekends to prepare for the following week. She also worked several days in the summer with no additional pay. I don't know what your version of reality is, but it is not the same as mine. Sheesh...

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

I have no contempt for teachers. I have contempt for unprofessional behavior.

If it isn't a student contact day for you, then prioritize your life appropriately - make up that inservice time at home. However, I believe kids need their teachers in the classroom regardless of if they are learning new material. If you are only necessary when they learn new material, why do we bother to have school so many days? Why not just have teachers come in once a week and leave kids with aides the rest of the time.

Either you are a necessary professional and your time with my kids is something you have trained to do - and you should get compensated accordingly, but you should take that responsibility seriously - or you aren't, and lets bring in aides, strip pensions, and turn school into daycare - and lets just bring in "real" teachers once a week to cover new material and prep for testing - aides and subs can manage the rest. You don't get to tell me you are a professional and that you should get compensated accordingly, and that its important to have certified teachers in the classroom (all things I believe strongly in) and then say "but my job and my value isn't more important than not getting married in the heat." Or "I can leave the kids with a sub for a week to go to Disney."

If teachers want to be treated with respect (and I have GREAT teachers and friends who are great teachers - no one takes vacation during the school year - I don't know if its permitted here or not), then take your job seriously. Don't leave your students with a sub for vacation.

Personally, I have never left my students for a week---I have missed two class days for a long weekend. (If you read my previous post, you'd know that I didn't take those days for the first eleven years of my career. I hope you are not too cemented in your thinking that if your friends someday use their personal time that you change your position about them being great teachers.)

I take my job very seriously (and I am a great teacher), and in my effort towards brevity, I did not go into a detailed account of what I deem as acceptable time to be out of my class.

While I do feel that indeed an educated person (our substitutes have degrees and are typically unemployed teachers) can carry out my plans for a day or two, to misrepresent that notion into "bring in aids" is seriously unfair. Also, they are "my plans." So in essence, I have still carried out a portion of my job even though I will not be there. Further, upon my return lies in wait all of the completed work for me to assess and provide feedback to help the students. Again, another aspect of my job being completed even though I am not in the classroom.

Since you are only presenting an either/ or fallacy: If you use your personal days for vacation, you don't take your job seriously (you shouldn't be a teacher), I think my purpose in persuading you is futile.

 

[princessmom29]

I
If teachers want to be treated with respect (and I have GREAT teachers and friends who are great teachers - no one takes vacation during the school year - I don't know if its permitted here or not), then take your job seriously. Don't leave your students with a sub for vacation.

I still want to know if you have EVER taken a vacation day that is allotted to you to be taken. If you have, then yuo have no room to tell a teacher they don't deserve to do the same. EVERYONE needs a day off sometime. Teachers are not robots that can perform on command all the time. Sometimes life happens and you do the best you can.

All of us with families have to balance what is best for our family with what is best in our work lives. I guess what is most important to YOU and YOUR child trumps what is best for your child's teacher and the teacher's children every time. Great attitude to have.

 

[princessmom29]

Who made you the authority on what teacher's deserve??? Bottom line is this...if it is in THEIR contract then it is THEIR choice. My daughter's teacher bends over backwards to accomodate her students when they miss school due to illness or even miss a day for a vacation. I would show her the same respect. The comment you made makes you sound like the most judgemental person on the planet, not to mention downright rude. BTW, the comment you made about teacher's complaining about not having enough days during contract negotiations is odd to me. I have never even ONCE seen a teacher on tv complaining about this. Generally, the things they fight over are pay and insurance. My SIL is a teacher and she works from 8-7 and goes to her classroom on weekends to prepare for the following week. She also worked several days in the summer with no additional pay. I don't know what your version of reality is, but it is not the same as mine. Sheesh...

ITA. Teachers are people with families, not robots that get stored in a closet when they are not teaching. My job is NOT more important than the well being of my family and it is hard for me to fathom that anyone would tolerate their job requiring that.

 

[bwilcox]

If it isn't a student contact day for you, then prioritize your life appropriately - make up that inservice time at home. However, I believe kids need their teachers in the classroom regardless of if they are learning new material. If you are only necessary when they learn new material, why do we bother to have school so many days? Why not just have teachers come in once a week and leave kids with aides the rest of the time.

So how is it that YOU are able to take days off at times to attend your children's school functions? If your business doesn't fall apart during the time you are gone, then why does your boss need you to work so many days a week? It works both ways.

 

[disney*mom*82]

Reading some of the harsh posts Im almost afraid to post

But, DH is an Elementary school teacher, I work for a local Community College, and our children go to school in a different school district. So, when we take our vacations, someone is likely to miss some work. We do our best to plan for as little days missed as possible. At most either of us have ever missed for a vacation is 2 days.

This past trip to WDW, we booked a ways out for Christmas, basing it on the previous years break...when the calendar got posted, we realised that Dhs break was going to start the latest it ever has, his first day off wasnt until Christmas Eve, we were scheduled to be in WDW on 12/18. We pushed it back to 12/21 and DH missed 1 day of student attendance, 1 day of teacher workshop and we didnt actually get to WDW until early 12/22, so we kinda ate the cost of one day.

Anyways, I know Im rambling. We are all human and our families do come first. Vacationing is something we enjoy with our children and we can only take these bigger trips once or twice a year. Im sure people in most fields take time off work for vacation, maybe not everyone on here, but people do. When I gave birth to my first two children, my Dr. happened to be on vacation with her family then and I had to deliver with a doctor I never met. My boss, the associate vice president our a community college took a week off to go to WDW last month because that was her childrens and husbands spring break, the list goes on. Its not like we are paid tons of money and that the day cannot go on if we are not there.

 

[azdizzymom]

Reading some of the harsh posts Im almost afraid to post


Anyways, I know Im rambling. We are all human and our families do come first. Vacationing is something we enjoy with our children and we can only take these bigger trips once or twice a year. Im sure people in most fields take time off work for vacation, maybe not everyone on here, but people do. When I gave birth to my first two children, my Dr. happened to be on vacation with her family then and I had to deliver with a doctor I never met. My boss, the associate vice president our a community college took a week off to go to WDW last month because that was her childrens and husbands spring break, the list goes on. Its not like we are paid tons of money and that the day cannot go on if we are not there.

AMEN! I am one of the dreaded 'subs' who fill in for the teachers. Teachers deserve to take vacation whenever they want and if the school approves it GO FOR IT! It is not up to a parent, another school administrator or anyone else to judge when someone can and can't take a vacation. Teacher's have days written into their contracts to use AS THEY WISH and once they go through the proper channels that they know they have to follow it is nobody's business where they are going or what they are doing!

How would those of you criticizing the teachers for taking time off like the teacher to say no your child can't go to Disney during the school year. You do realize the teacher has to take extra time to help get your kid caught up when they get back from that Disney vacation. Yes, some do the work before returning to school but many don't. You miss lots when you are NOT in the classroom as a student. When the teacher is gone there is sub there teaching the kids from the plans that teacher had to make before going on that trip (on unpaid time before or after school). That sub is presenting material to the kids, grading papers, handing out assignments, dealing with discipline problems, etc.

I am not a sub for the money...I am one because I enjoy it. Kids play hooky and miss school for silly reasons. Teachers can't just call in one morning and say I don't feel like coming in today. I was out shopping yesterday at Sam's during the morning. I saw a 2nd grader who I know from school with her mom. She was jumping all over, drinking an Icee, etc. She saw me...stared, turned around, stared some more (I have been in her class numerous times this year). Her teacher is a good friend of mine so I texted and said I saw XXXX having fun with mom at the store today. She commented she was supposedly sick. YES SHE COULD HAVE BEEN BUT....there is no pharmacy in my Sam's, she didn't look sick AND MORE IMPORTANTLY THIS CHILD SKIPS ALL THE TIME! She cries about going to school so mom lets her skip...... Mom also asks teacher to change grades, etc.

Teachers are entitled to take vacations when their contract allows. It is not up to anyone else to judge them. I am sure those who think it is wrong are the parents who complain about everything. Teachers are hard working people who get paid little. When was the last time you thanked your child's teacher for their hard work! Indianapolis Public Schools just laid off 110 teachers for next year..... how many in your district (my kids don't go their as we are north of Indy BUT that is a staggering number). Think of all those out of work teachers and those graduating who have no jobs in their field. My friends daughter is a special ed teacher who graduated 3 years ago...she is the athletic directors assistant now....can't find a teaching job.

Quit judging the teachers and be thankful that your kids have good schools and teachers.

To all you teachers you are appreciated and enjoy any trip you take........

 

[thelittlemermaid]

Not any more than it would bother me if she/he was out sick for several days in a row.

Not all teacher's have spouses who can take time off in the summer. Imagine the teacher who has a couple of kids and is married to a landscaper/constructionsworker or a golf pro....the landscaper/construction worker/golf pro might not get to take time off during the summer, and her children might attend a different school district with a different calendar than the one where she teaches...so she might not have much choice.

Not everyone can get time off during the summer, if the teacher is married to someone like that, should she just never take a family vacation?

I totally agree about the spouse not being able to take off work when they want to.

After 15 years of working at a company, my husband found a new job cause the company was closing the factory he was working at. At the new job, since being at the bottom of the barrel, he has wait for all the older guys to take their vacations. The months April through September are takin up by the older guys vacations and the younger guys basically have to wait it out. So since 2009 we have had to wait until October-November if we want to take a vacation that is longer then a weekend. Our last trip to Disney we took in November and of course took our kids out of school. I explained why we had to wait so late and had no problems with my kids schools. Plus my kids also had some free days that didn't count toward their absents since Thanksgiving break was included.

So the answer would be no, I would not have a problem if my kids teachers took a vacation during the school year. Especially if it was to Disney. I would tell them I would want to see the pictures when they got back. =)

 

[lamb616]

Anyways, I know Im rambling. We are all human and our families do come first.

IMO, this about sums up this entire debate: FAMILIES COME FIRST. If you need to miss work in order to take a much needed or much WANTED vacation -- whether you are a teacher, doctor, secretary, scientist, etc. --- and you are given vacation or personal days by your employer to use as you see fit, then by all means -- TAKE THE VACATION!!!

I would not even bother arguing or getting upset by someone who thinks otherwise. Their argument is absurd. It's a pretty simple concept: If you are given personal time to use -- you use the personal time whenever/however you want, end of story. Simple, right? I don't understand why that's so hard to comprehend by some. Teachers are great and all but, no offense, it's not like they're the POTUS or something and the country will fall apart if they suddenly take off for a week.

I'm just baffled that anyone would feel so strongly that teachers shouldn't use their own personal time GIVEN TO THEM BY THEIR EMPLOYERS because they "have a commitment" to their students. Doctors have a commitment to their patients, yet they take vacations whenever they please. What about OBs? Maybe they shouldn't be allowed to take a vacation if they have a patient due to deliver that week.


ETA: I went off on a tangent and forgot the main point I wanted to make, lol. Which was: Families come first. And if there are people out there who put their jobs before their families, well then I feel bad for their families.

 

[sparks19]

I haven't read this whole thread yet but wanted to post my initial opinion on the OP

I wouldn't care. If they get extra vacation days that they can take a vacation during the school year then go for it. I don't see why teachers shouldn't get to have a vacation just like everyone else.

I have no problem with a sub coming in for the week.

Good gravy when I was in highschool the teachers went on strike and we missed TWO WEEKS of school (none of that time was made up later) and we were no worse for the wear.

Having a sub for a week out of the year is no big deal and I can definitely see why teachers might need a break halfway through with some of the brats I encountered in school.

is that one week a year going to ruin my child's education? No it's not. and the teacher will probably come back refreshed, renewed and a better teacher because of it

 

[sparks19]

Children need their teachers in the classroom. Ok yes I can agree that children need the teachers in the classroom but one week out of the year is not going to make or break their education.

What children REALLY need is parents who are willing to put in the work at home and work WITH the teachers... not against them. If your childs teacher takes vacation (as they are entitled to since they do get vacation time) then it's up to you as the PARENT to pick up any slack.

 

[MSSANDRA]

Children need their teachers in the classroom. Ok yes I can agree that children need the teachers in the classroom but one week out of the year is not going to make or break their education.

What children REALLY need is parents who are willing to put in the work at home and work WITH the teachers... not against them. If your childs teacher takes vacation (as they are entitled to since they do get vacation time) then it's up to you as the PARENT to pick up any slack.

Now this is what it comes down to!!!!!!! GREAT POST!

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

IMO, this about sums up this entire debate: FAMILIES COME FIRST. If you need to miss work in order to take a much needed or much WANTED vacation -- whether you are a teacher, doctor, secretary, scientist, etc. --- and you are given vacation or personal days by your employer to use as you see fit, then by all means -- TAKE THE VACATION!!!

I would not even bother arguing or getting upset by someone who thinks otherwise. Their argument is absurd. It's a pretty simple concept: If you are given personal time to use -- you use the personal time whenever/however you want, end of story. Simple, right? I don't understand why that's so hard to comprehend by some. Teachers are great and all but, no offense, it's not like they're the POTUS or something and the country will fall apart if they suddenly take off for a week.

I'm just baffled that anyone would feel so strongly that teachers shouldn't use their own personal time GIVEN TO THEM BY THEIR EMPLOYERS because they "have a commitment" to their students. Doctors have a commitment to their patients, yet they take vacations whenever they please. What about OBs? Maybe they shouldn't be allowed to take a vacation if they have a patient due to deliver that week.


ETA: I went off on a tangent and forgot the main point I wanted to make, lol. Which was: Families come first. And if there are people out there who put their jobs before their families, well then I feel bad for their families.

I agree! Well said!