What Are Teachers Doing Over the Summer Break?

Kamora Johnson

McKay Student Ambassador

Physical Education

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As a teacher you only work about 180 days, which means you have the whole summer off! We've asked a few McKay School Alumni what they do during Summer Break and this is what they said:

Haley Dansie- PE and Health Teacher

"I spend as much time as I can outdoors! This summer, I am competing in my first ever bodybuilding competition so that’s exciting! After I step off stage, I’ll be going to Lake Powell, camping in Escalante, river rafting, campfires, concerts, and spending a lot of time with family doing things like baptism, baby blessings. Currently kicked off the summer by going to Vegas for a week. And then I’m road tripping to Arizona as well for camping seeing some of the Grand Canyon and my brother’s wedding! Also, I do plan on creating a lot of my unit plans to coordinate with my other teachers and preparing for my first year of teaching. I’ve got to go to the district office and get my official picture taken and meet my boss! As far as making money in the mean time I’ll be managing the office for Lucky 7 Rodeo Arena. Honestly, summer for teachers can’t be long enough! 😂😂😂"

Jansen Ence- PE, Health, and History Teacher

"I’m super excited that I just graduated and will be starting my first year teaching Health and PE at Cedar High School this August, which is not too far from my hometown of La Verkin. This summer is going to be a mix of preparing and enjoying it — I’ll be setting up my new classroom, getting all my lessons and equipment organized, and trying to make my classroom ready for students when they walk in on day one. On top of that, I’m also really looking forward to traveling back to Norway for a couple weeks to visit some of the places and people from my mission and celebrate graduating! Sad to be closing one chapter but I’m excited for what's next!!"

Anna Christensen- Early Childhood Education

This summer I have a good mix of travel, relaxing, and prepping for next year planned! I’ll be moving schools this year, so moving my classroom and getting to know my new team will be a big part of the summer. I also have trips to Spain and California planned, which I’m super excited for. In between trips and classroom planning I’ll be relaxing at the pool, catching up on household chores, and hanging out with my friends and family!

Sadie Sager- Pe and Health Teacher

As a teacher I like to live up the summers as much as I can!! I still work, but luckily I have the funnest summer job ever. I work at a Tennis Club as a PE teacher for a sports camp. I get to play with kids and swim everyday and it's one of the highlights of my summer! I also spend a lot of time with my family. We love to fish, ride four wheelers, kayak, and do anything to get out of the house. This summer we are going on a cruise to Mexico with the whole family and I can't wait!

Bethany Gold- Elementary Education

One of the best perks of teaching is having summers off! I just finished my second year of

teaching and have stacked my summer with all the activities I love to do. I am heading home to Oregon for a week, doing a road trip with my sister, going on a cruise with my family, and taking a trip to Croatia with a friend. When I’m not traveling, I’m planning to fit in lots of walks, reading, spending time with friends, trying new recipes, and of course, laying by the pool. Though we don’t officially come back till August, I’m also planning to spend a couple mornings in my classroom prepping for the new school year. Being a teacher during the summer is awesome!

As you can see, summer break looks different for every teacher! Some spend their summers traveling, taking classes, working seasonal jobs, coaching, spending time with family, or taking a break before the next school year begins. One of the great benefits of a career in education is the flexibility to choose how you spend those summer months. What do you plan to do with your summers off? Let us know in the comments!

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