Vacation Mode

Who else feels guilty taking a vacation as a teacher? Especially with Covid and there being a limited number of substitute teachers to assist in classrooms? I have always struggled with taking time off work at any job I have had. However, when I started teaching, I really struggled being okay taking time off. Mentally I needed the break but I also was worried about my students. What would they do if I wasn’t there? How would their behaviors be? Would their general education teacher be okay without my support? What if I didn't get a substitute?

I had all these feelings every time I took time off until after September of 2019 when I had to have surgery on my foot. I had no choice but to take two weeks off of work. During those two weeks my classroom went through multiple substitutes due to the behaviors. I was torn. After the two weeks I had to extend my time off due to not progressing with my healing process. I ended up with a big sore on my heel so I couldn't have a hard cast due to risk of infection and I couldn't get my foot to a 90-degree angle to be in a boot. Since I couldn't work with a soft cast, I had to take another two weeks off. This was even tougher knowing I was not only leaving my students for a longer period of time but also left my coworkers in a mess of trying to help my special education students due to no substitute wanting to sub in my classroom. After this experience I never wanted to take time off again. It was too hard not only for me but for my students.

However, over time I learned that I am a better teacher when I have a break and can focus. I don’t need a full week off but do try to take a couple long weekends off or even just take full advantage of our breaks we already have during the school year. Recently school has been super busy with extra meetings, changing of curriculum, sickness in classrooms, conferences coming up and also just trying to make it to Spring Break! My sister and I booked a trip about two months ago to go see our grandma in Florida. It was so amazing and so needed! So, teachers, and anyone else who needs to hear this, book the trip. Take time for yourself. In the moment it may seem overwhelming and not worth it but trust me it will be worth it! Those kiddos at school are in good hands with your teammates and they’ll be happy to have you back refreshed! Sometimes the best thing and only thing we can do to get out of a "rut" is to take time for ourself and breathe and step away from our stressors to re-adjust before tackling them!

~Marissa