Monday, May 6, 2013

Teacher Absenteeism

Interesting read.  Teachers are obvious role models for society, students, and for the life skills expected of students.  I read somewhere that teachers are the third most trusted individuals in society, right after Mom and the Television set.  Dad comes in around #10, and the President at #25.  I also read that our current President has taken over 100 vacation days in four years, and the one before him considerably more than that in 8 years. 

How does the expectation of teachers to be ideal role models impact our need/desire to take time off as employees with individual & family needs just like anyone else?  As much as teachers try, it's impossible to save up everything they need to take care of for those 6-8 weeks of summer vacation.  Some things to consider when reading this article :)  Oh, and don't forget to compare the U.S. to other countries around the world & how they view vacation-as a human right!

http://www.frontlinek12.com/Pages/Blog/Absenteeism.html 

http://www.ibtimes.com/these-countries-get-most-vacation-days-hint-america-isnt-list-758021

What teachers are probably not doing on their days off :)

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Teacher Burn-Out

Some trends I've noticed during ten plus years in the classroom:  

 1. March is the longest month of the school year.
 2. Besides flowers, spring time brings out some interesting behavior in humans:
     teachers get frazzled and students get frisky!
 3. It's vital for teachers to proactively maintain their mental, physical,emotional, and social health.
   
    Click here to read about 10 ways for teachers to do just that!