Why do people think teachers only work 9-3 with summers off?

I’ve been to college, I got a job as a teacher, a real job where I’m *paid* to teach *your* children. <br><br>You see me from 8:15-3:00. You don’t see me getting to school at 6:30-7:00. You don’t see me leaving school at 4:30-5:00. <br><br>I work before and after school. I grade assignments, write lesson plans, answer emails, set up my room. <br><br>You don’t see me on the weekends grading assignments, writing lesson plans, answering emails. <br><br>I’m available to you and your child *before* school starts (you know the time when I’m setting up the room and/or getting in a workout) after school ends, and on the weekends when I could be spending time with my own family. <br><br>I don’t get paid for those hours. I allow you to have access to me basically 24/7. <br><br>But *hey*, I only work from 8:15-3:00, right? <br><br>I get *summers* *off*. Nope, I get 8 weeks off. I am contracted for 196 days. I’m required to be there by contract for 196 days. If I’m sick, I have to *make up* those hours. I don’t get paid if I’m sick, I only get paid if I’m working. <br><br>Yes, I get 8 weeks off. Which means I’m being paid for 40 weeks of work a year. I’m not getting paid for those 8 weeks. <br><br>There are only 52 weeks in a year. So for 40 of them I’m collecting a paycheck, for 12 of them I’m not. <br><br>I’m a professional. I *earn* my paycheck. I don’t get one just for breathing. I earn every cent I’m paid. <br><br>If you think teachers have it easy, try being in our shoes.