I think my attitude must be based on where I live and how things are here.
I lived in houston and teachers started at 42-45K for 187 day contracts. Students attend school 180 days so teachers go back a week early, and work a few extra days throughout the year. Low cost of living nice, houses in the 150,000-200,000 range depending on the neighborhood. Decent housing available for less.
Most teachers were off the entire week of Thanksgiving, 2 weeks at Christmas, 1 week for Spring Break, an additional 5 days of individual holidays. They are off 3 weeks in June, 4-5 July and 2 for August or about a totoal of 9-10 during the summer.
In Texas teachers have to complete 150 hours of staff development every 5 years which is basically 5 (6hour) days a year. In that district we were required to work 1 of those days outside our contract- the rest could be during school days. You could also get credit for college classes, etc.
While the teachers I knew did do some school related work on breaks it was really not more then what I say other professionals do on their time off. (not counting grading during school year)
Where I am at now, cost of living is less and teachers make about 37,000 to start which is low but while some are doing all that extra school stuff with there free time 80% or more are not.
I understand that people are entitled to leave but when you work in an industry that has 13-14 weeks off a year, it seems like the reason we are only give us 5-10 days to use during the year is because we need the time for illness, babies, surgery, sick family member, financial issues, etc. Most people have events that they need that time later in their career. But if they use all the time they are "entitled" to each year (5 for a vacation and 5 sick) then when they do have a baby or get sick and are required to be out an additional 4-6weeks they end up not getting paid for the time. The school district gets to pay a sub for those days as well since their time is gone. We have this happen all the time- and most of our teachers are not even using the time for vacation just a few days here and there.
I know I seem harsh- and I do understand that people have unique situations. But I also believe that with commitment comes sacrifice. Once in a life time opportunites (weddings, family reunions, free trips), family job issues occasionally okay, but when the attitude is simply you have time you should take it as you like, that is where I think the line is.
Obviously, all education is not like Texas-
so I am biased to what I have seen. And yes, I would love to move, but not in cards right now.
I am only 32.
In this area, kids are allowed to take vacations during the year, but it's a big no-no for teachers. OTOH, I see posts where people are taken to court because their kids missed a week of school.
I'm always amazed at the inconsistencies across our country.
) We've just accepted it though, a seven week summer and 1 or 2 week holidays dotted throughout the year for easter, spring break and so on makes plenty of time for us to travel, yes they're more expensive but we'll tailor & chose our vacations to fit that shedule like we have the years we've had kids in state school.
