When the final bell rings on the last day of school, students rush out the door like it’s the end of a prison sentence (Because let’s be real- that’s definitely what it feels like). But have you ever wondered what teachers do once they’re free?
Do they just vanish into some secret teacher-only summer realm? Do they think about us? (Unlikely.) Here’s a peak behind the curtain explained by a student whose mother is a teacher – this is a mix of the true, the weird, and the hilarious things teachers actually do during summer break.
1. Sleep Like the Dead
After nine months of grading essays at 1 a.m. and pretending to understand group project drama, teachers hibernate for at least a week.
2. Catch Up in the 347 Books They Said They’d Read (Or at least pretend to)
Teachers always say they’re “so excited to read” over break… then binge-watch crime documentaries and call it research. Respect.
3. Go on Vacations… But on a Budget
Think road trips, national parks, or using their teacher discount to book slightly cheaper Airbnb stays. Bonus points if they post sunsets on Instagram or Facebook with deep quotes like “rest, recharge, repeat.”
4. Take Summer Classes (Because They Have To)
Many teachers spend part of the summer “break” taking certification courses or professional development that no student ever hears about – It’s like summer school… but for grown-ups who already passed school.
5. Panic-Plan the First Week of School in Late July/Early August
They try to relax, but by mid-summer, it creeps back in: “What am I doing for the first day of school?” Cue the color-coded Google Docs
6. Do Absolutely Nothing (And Love It)
Some teachers unapologetically embrace summer like it’s a religion. Pajamas until noon. Coffee on the porch. No emails – imagine that. Peace.
7. Secretly Miss the Classroom (But Only a Little)
Around late July, they start thinking, “I kinda miss my students… just not the meetings.” (Or the early wake-up-call)
8. Pick Up a Side Hustle
Because surprise! Teaching isn’t exactly a six-figure job. Some teachers tutor, drive Uber, work retail, or freelance during the summer just to make ends meet. Capitalism, yay?
9. Ignore Emails From the School Until August 1st
There’s nothing more powerful than a teacher fully ignoring their inbox until the moment they absolutely can’t anymore. That unread message count is legendary.
Final thoughts? Teachers are humans too (shocking, I know), and summer is their time to rest, reset, and remember what life feels like without lesson plans. So if you see a teacher over break, maybe don’t ask, “Do you miss school yet?” – just give them a nod of respect and let them enjoy the freedom while it lasts.
(This article has been factually checked by Mrs. Skorupski, 8th grade mathematics teacher at Westfield Middle School.)
