Teacher taking Vacation to Disney during school year?

[5forDis]

I can't believe I just read all 200 posts on this subject

My goodness! I don't care if a teacher takes his/her allotted personal days...for whatever reason. I am surprised that anyone else does care...if the contract they've signed allows them to have personal days, then why shouldn't the personal days be used?

 

[meredith1]

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. :confuse

My OB went on vacation prior to me delivering my twins. I delivered my twins a matter of hours before she got back into the office at 34.6 wks. It sucked but, I still love her. She's still my hero.

I can't believe this conversation is still going on. lmao-

 

[kandb]

We live in the NYC area where alot of the teachers make $100K (+) a year, to work 184 days a year. Yes, it would make me angry if my child's teacher took a week off to vacation. That would mean they would have a substitute for a whole week, meaning not much work would be getting done. I have never heard of a teacher in our area taking a weeks vacation during the school year. I think the school would frown upon it.

 

[sparks19]

???? kids get lots of time off school. Do parents freak out that the kids aren't doing any "real" work when there is a snow day or they have march break? ONE week with a sub is not going to make or break a childs education. if parents are that concerned then they should be picking up the slack at home.

As far as I am concerned a teacher is the second line of defense when it comes to education... but as a parent it is YOUR JOB to teach your children, you just have teachers to assist you why are they not entitled to plan a vacation during a non busy time? Someone needs to teach our kids since too many parents seem to think it's not THEIR job so maybe we should cut the teachers a little slack and let them have a little vacation they can actually enjoy (not stuck in the middle of summer or march break) without huge crowds.

There are bigger problems with our education system... teachers taking a vacation once in a while is NOT on my list of priorities.

if parents are so concerned that kids are losing out on a weeks education because teacher takes a vacation... then maybe those parents should start teaching their kids.

 

[5forDis]

Well said, Sparks!

 

[Zalittle]

My wife is studying to be a teacher and teaches as a sub on occasion.
I have no problem with the idea of teachers taking time off any more than anyone else taking time off to go to Disney.

Teachers deserve any and all respect and freedoms as anyone else.

I wouldn't even care if the President took time off to go to Disney.

Disney rocks. Besides, the teacher could gain ingenious ideas to share with their class.

Everything is a learning opportunity, not just for kids, but adults as well.
Let teachers have a blast at Disney. Even during the school year.
Besides, teachers don't make that much money and they need to be allowed to go to Disney during the value seasons.

GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Teachers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[sunshineNJ]

It wouldn't bother me. Teachers have tons of personal days. they can use them any way they like.

 

[jpeka65844]

It wouldn't bother me. Teachers have tons of personal days. they can use them any way they like.

I currently get two. I wouldn't call that a ton.

We do get sick days but I don't use those for anything but sickness. I prefer to work on the up and up since my son attends the same school where I teach.

We are going to WDW the first week in December. I will have to take days off without pay to do it.

Being a teacher and avid Disney vacationer is sometimes a bittersweet relationship.

 

[MWGreene]

I currently get two. I wouldn't call that a ton.

We do get sick days but I don't use those for anything but sickness. I prefer to work on the up and up since my son attends the same school where I teach.

We are going to WDW the first week in December. I will have to take days off without pay to do it.

Being a teacher and avid Disney vacationer is sometimes a bittersweet relationship.

THANK YOU! I'm so confused about all the posters saying teachers get vacation days? It what school system is that? I got two personal days and 10 sick. I had to specify who was sick each time I was out. 5 or more required doctor's excuse!

 

[RadioFanatic]

I'm one of the ones who said it would bother me. And I'm sorry but it would. A big portion of the responses say you have personal days, why not use them - well, my dh gets personal days too - but unless he is really sick, someone dies, or something of that calibar, they can't be used the first six months - bc his job working in a legislature needs to function too. So I guess it's okay for all of them to take off so laws aren't made and the government doesn't function. Geez, I remember people all up in arms when the federal government was maybe not being able to pay federal employees bc of budget issues. What if all of those legislators and their staff decided they wanted to use their personal days for some time off to disney instead of resolving the budget bc they have them? there would have been a mutiny! No, my dh doesn't work there - I'm just using it as an example. Now I know some of you will come back and say it's different, you aren't going at "important" times in school - but in my opinion, if school is in session, it's in session for a reason, so every school day is important.

And I was a sub for two years - so I personally know how little gets done when a sub is there. And I also know from experience how little a sub may know about a topic. I was a french major, political science minor with education degree - decided not to teach bc I just didn't have the patience kids deserve - so that's one of the many reasons I think teachers are so amazing. I can't tell you the number of topics I "taught" (of the very few times I was given something to teach instead of study hall, a film/movie, or just reviewing what already learned), in subjects I either wasn't very good at or just didn't know - math, science, spanish, gym, etc. And don't say my area is different than yours bc I subbed in several counties for over 20 schools.

I understand the family first - but if you want a job that pays for your family, you need to be creative in vacation time with them - that's what we do. And I'm amazed how some of you are downplaying your role as teachers to take this time when you then turn around and say how instrumental you are come raise time (and believe me, I'm in the "you're instrumental" camp - not the other). I'm sorry, but I pay taxes for the school and it's going to upset me if I'm not getting a full return on that investment.

Now, in spite of all I just said, what would I do if I heard a teacher was doing this? Absolutely nothing. I will not complain, make a fuss, anything. It will upset me, but I'm not going to do anything to make a teacher, whether intentionally or unintentionally, think less of my child for such an issue.

 

[chicagoshannon]

I don't think they should be able to take vacations during the school year. They get 3 months in the summer, 2 weeks at Christmas, and 1 week at spring break. Plus various holidays throughout the year. That's plenty of vacation.

My husband gets 5 weeks out of the year TOTAL and thats a pretty generous amount. Teachers have a contract and are expected to work during that time. Yes teachers work hard and need breaks and they already have numerous breaks built into the school year.

 

[azdizzymom]

I don't think they should be able to take vacations during the school year. They get 3 months in the summer, 2 weeks at Christmas, and 1 week at spring break. Plus various holidays throughout the year. That's plenty of vacation.

My husband gets 5 weeks out of the year TOTAL and thats a pretty generous amount. Teachers have a contract and are expected to work during that time. Yes teachers work hard and need breaks and they already have numerous breaks built into the school year.

Lets see during the summer the teachers are preparing for the next school year for a couple weeks MINIMUM. They usually work a few days after the kids get out of school and have to be there at least a week before in our district. I don't know where you live but I'd LOVE a 3 month summer vacation! We get out on June 3rd this year ( we have make-up days) and go back August 17th so that is 9 weeks approximately.

You do realize that teacher's don't work the 8-3 PM school day or whatever the hours our. Teachers go in early, stay late, grade papers while their kids are playing sports, go in after dinner to get stuff ready for the next day, work during vacations to get plans ready. Stay late getting lessons ready FOR KIDS WHO GET OUT OF SCHOOL TO GO ON VACATION. They deal with phone calls at home from parents, they spend their own money on school supplies because lots of people feel the list is ridiculous or they shouldn't have to supply hand sanitizer, tissues, etc., they deal with discipline problems because the parents don't care or think their child would NEVER do anything wrong. As a sub I go in for teachers when they are sick, have a death in the family OR GO ON VACATION! As a sub I have taken in treats for the kids, taken papers home and graded them at night or taken them to my kids sports events so the teachers don't have to do that on top of regular work when they get back, I have spent time on the internet or searching for things to go along with the lessons the teachers have, I have dealt with the kids who lie about things, fight, act out, etc. Teachers are hard working individuals who work more than 40 hours a week for 9 months then get 3 months off during the summer, 2 weeks at Christmas, 1 week during spring break and other built in days. Add up all the extra hours and time teachers work and they probably work more than those who work full time 52 weeks a year.

Teachers do have contracts and most contracts allow personal and vacation days. PERSONAL DAYS means the teacher has earned XXXX number of days to use as they please. They also have sick days to use when they are sick and days when death in the family,etc. written into their contract. What gives anyone a right to judge a teacher when that teacher chooses to use their earned days that are in their contract to go to Disney or anywhere else they please. It is up to the superintendent or principal or administrator to approve those days. If they approve them no one has any right to judge that.

I think that some of the comments posted on this thread show lots of ignorance on some people in regards to exactly how much work teachers do. There is so much budget cutting they spend their own money for YOUR (and my) kids. When was they last time some of you went to school and saw the teachers working...drive by sometime after dinner and see the cars in the lot. Offer to go in and copy stuff or cut out the Dr. Seuss hats for that celebration (I did that when both my sons were in first grade). When was the last time you offered to decorate a bulletin board for a teacher or tear sheets out of workbooks since the younger kids can't do this (YOU DO REALIZE THESE THINGS DON'T MAGICALLY HAPPEN..lots of times it is teacher or her family on their lazy days off haha)! When was the last time you sent extra kleenex in during the 2nd semester, or pencils or hand sanitizer. How many see a note asking for parents to do something AND THROW IT AWAY OR SAY SOMEONE ELSE CAN DO IT THIS TIME! People have no right to judge when a teacher takes a vacation when they are clueless on what is in that teacher's contract or what the teacher's home situation is.

To all you teachers I am a parent who appreciates you. Think some of the ignorant parents need a swift kick in the rear or hit with that old paddle in the principal's office. Teachers take your trips whenever...enjoy time with your family!

 

[princessmom29]

I don't think they should be able to take vacations during the school year. They get 3 months in the summer, 2 weeks at Christmas, and 1 week at spring break. Plus various holidays throughout the year. That's plenty of vacation.

My husband gets 5 weeks out of the year TOTAL and thats a pretty generous amount. Teachers have a contract and are expected to work during that time. Yes teachers work hard and need breaks and they already have numerous breaks built into the school year.

1. Summer vacation is NOT 3 months. Students get 9 weeks off. Most teachers actually get 2-3 weeks because of required workshops, conferences, and prep for the next year. They are NOT compesated for this time and is is NOT part of thier contract, yet they are required to do it. Two weeks at christmas is also not realistic. I spend much of that time working on schoolwork. So my time actually adds up to less than your DH's 5 weeks.

2. My contract allows 3 personal days. Should I not be allowed to take them just because I get some time off in the summer?

 

[RadioFanatic]

Lets see during the summer the teachers are preparing for the next school year for a couple weeks MINIMUM. They usually work a few days after the kids get out of school and have to be there at least a week before in our district. I don't know where you live but I'd LOVE a 3 month summer vacation! We get out on June 3rd this year ( we have make-up days) and go back August 17th so that is 9 weeks approximately.

You do realize that teacher's don't work the 8-3 PM school day or whatever the hours our. Teachers go in early, stay late, grade papers while their kids are playing sports, go in after dinner to get stuff ready for the next day, work during vacations to get plans ready. Stay late getting lessons ready FOR KIDS WHO GET OUT OF SCHOOL TO GO ON VACATION. They deal with phone calls at home from parents, they spend their own money on school supplies because lots of people feel the list is ridiculous or they shouldn't have to supply hand sanitizer, tissues, etc., they deal with discipline problems because the parents don't care or think their child would NEVER do anything wrong. As a sub I go in for teachers when they are sick, have a death in the family OR GO ON VACATION! As a sub I have taken in treats for the kids, taken papers home and graded them at night or taken them to my kids sports events so the teachers don't have to do that on top of regular work when they get back, I have spent time on the internet or searching for things to go along with the lessons the teachers have, I have dealt with the kids who lie about things, fight, act out, etc. Teachers are hard working individuals who work more than 40 hours a week for 9 months then get 3 months off during the summer, 2 weeks at Christmas, 1 week during spring break and other built in days. Add up all the extra hours and time teachers work and they probably work more than those who work full time 52 weeks a year.

Teachers do have contracts and most contracts allow personal and vacation days. PERSONAL DAYS means the teacher has earned XXXX number of days to use as they please. They also have sick days to use when they are sick and days when death in the family,etc. written into their contract. What gives anyone a right to judge a teacher when that teacher chooses to use their earned days that are in their contract to go to Disney or anywhere else they please. It is up to the superintendent or principal or administrator to approve those days. If they approve them no one has any right to judge that.

I think that some of the comments posted on this thread show lots of ignorance on some people in regards to exactly how much work teachers do. There is so much budget cutting they spend their own money for YOUR (and my) kids. When was they last time some of you went to school and saw the teachers working...drive by sometime after dinner and see the cars in the lot. Offer to go in and copy stuff or cut out the Dr. Seuss hats for that celebration (I did that when both my sons were in first grade). When was the last time you offered to decorate a bulletin board for a teacher or tear sheets out of workbooks since the younger kids can't do this (YOU DO REALIZE THESE THINGS DON'T MAGICALLY HAPPEN..lots of times it is teacher or her family on their lazy days off haha)! When was the last time you sent extra kleenex in during the 2nd semester, or pencils or hand sanitizer. How many see a note asking for parents to do something AND THROW IT AWAY OR SAY SOMEONE ELSE CAN DO IT THIS TIME! People have no right to judge when a teacher takes a vacation when they are clueless on what is in that teacher's contract or what the teacher's home situation is.

To all you teachers I am a parent who appreciates you. Think some of the ignorant parents need a swift kick in the rear or hit with that old paddle in the principal's office. Teachers take your trips whenever...enjoy time with your family!

I disagree. I know teachers work a lot. I also know I work a lot. Should I start saying how I start my work day at 6:30 am, get out at 3 pm but then work again after my kid goes to bed? Well, I do. And I only great three weeks total - vacay, personal sick for the year. And I know there are certain times I'm not allowed off. And I think the fact you work a lot doesn't mean you should be allowed to take off during the school year to take a vacation.

 

[GinnyEmma]

1. Summer vacation is NOT 3 months. Students get 9 weeks off. Most teachers actually get 2-3 weeks because of required workshops, conferences, and prep for the next year. They are NOT compesated for this time and is is NOT part of thier contract, yet they are required to do it. Two weeks at christmas is also not realistic. I spend much of that time working on schoolwork. So my time actually adds up to less than your DH's 5 weeks.

2. My contract allows 3 personal days. Should I not be allowed to take them just because I get some time off in the summer?

Our school let's out next tuesday and starts up august 22. More than 9 weeks. My pool buddy teachers take a week course for their ceu's. And have little prep work due to a fairly stable system.

So, while I think teachers should be allowed to do whatever their contract says they can do, the broadbrush "teachers only get 15 minutes break for the summer, blah blah blah gets old.

 

[smitch425]

Teachers have a contract and are expected to work during that time.

I love how you just completely invalidated your opinion with an actual fact.

Teachers have a contract that allows them personal days to take however they choose. They could choose to stay home, they could choose to go to WDW, they could even choose to meet someone and have an affair outside of their marriage. Bottom line is that if the days are built in to their contract, then NO ONE has a right to complain or a right to a say in how they use them. Complaints could be directed to the writer of the contract, but not to the teachers.

 

[princessmom29]

Our school let's out next tuesday and starts up august 22. More than 9 weeks. My pool buddy teachers take a week course for their ceu's. And have little prep work die to a fairly stable system.

So, while I think teachers should be allowed to do whatever their contract says they can do, the broadbrush "teachers only get 15 minutes break for the summer, blah blah blah gets old.

I have said it before and i will say it agian. Apparently, you have a very unique school system. I have never heard of antoher one that operates that way. It is certianly NOT the norm. Even in a "stable" system there should be lots of prep work to be done. Curric. should NEVER be static. The reality is thati n most othersystems around the nation, teachers are actually required to work for much of thier summer. I am sorry you don't want to aknowledge that, but the fact remains.

 

[smitch425]

the broadbrush "teachers only get 15 minutes break for the summer, blah blah blah gets old.

I thought that pulling imaginary quotes out of the air was maybe a one time thing for you, but apparently it is a habit. I have a hard time believing that ANY teacher EVER in the history of the world has ever said that they only get a 15 minute summer break. You either like to exaggerate a lot or just like to make things up in your head to make yourself feel like you are always right. Sheesh...

 

[FlightlessDuck]

If your school district gives your teachers enough vacation time during the school year to go on a vacation like to Disney, and you think that's unfair, please contact your school board.



Or run for school board.

 

[GinnyEmma]

I thought that pulling imaginary quotes out of the air was maybe a one time thing for you, but apparently it is a habit. I have a hard time believing that ANY teacher EVER in the history of the world has ever said that they only get a 15 minute summer break. You either like to exaggerate a lot or just like to make things up in your head to make yourself feel like you are always right. Sheesh...

lol, exageration, friend. Chill. No clue what you are comparing me with, geesh. Lord knows I have no clue who ou are. Lol, I am on the teacher's side, merely tired of the exagerations or broadbrushes.