June, July, and August

I had the great fortune to be surrounded by the most delightful, creative, and kind elementary school teachers when I was a child. They lived and breathed teaching. It was just who they were: Teacher. 

They were heavenly.

At least, it seemed so to me.

Imagine my surprise when one of these delightful teachers wore a sweatshirt to school which proudly proclaimed:

Three Reasons I Teach:

June, July, August.

WHAT? I was still adjusting to the realization that teachers didn't sleep at school. Even learning that they went to the bathroom was distressing.

Now I was confronted with the idea that they also had summer breaks. And they enjoyed them?! How could they survive deprived of the presence of their adorable pupils? Who would lead them in the Pledge of Allegiance in the morning, or offer to hold their hand in the hallway?

I was actually quite offended by that sweatshirt. With considerable effort, I overlooked it. After all, I loved my teachers so dearly. 

* * *

Decades later I entered the teaching profession. I poured my heart and soul into my classroom and my students, letting "teacher" become my identity and existence. It was grueling and difficult and beautiful and magical. I loved it. 

And yet, I found myself counting down to summer. I yearned for that sweatshirt sentiment. 

June, July, August. 

Rest and respite. A chance to remember that "teacher" is not my entire self. 

It is often said that teaching is a work of heart. It's true. The heartbreaks that come for our students hurt us too. The joys, even, bring a toll. There's fear, hope, disappointment, pride… the sheer volume of emotion is exhausting.

June, July, and August are the months in which teachers reenter the world beyond the school walls. They reconnect with friends and family, and with that forgotten other self. They recharge and heal.

When teachers return in the fall, their days are drenched in hope, anticipation, and excitement. They carefully arrange their classrooms, paying attention to every detail. They welcome their new students, full of hope and ready for a new beginning.

Teachers are all the better for June, July, and August.