A teacher’s world doesn’t pause just because school’s out.
The sun will still rise, the bills will still arrive and life will still go on for educators as students swap trousers with swim trunks for summer break.
Area teachers and administrators will use the time to hone instruction skills and learning plans, explore creativity or even find a second gig for the summer months. Most teachers are paid for 10 months, having to lean on other job options for two months of the year.
Some, like Courtney Smith, are fairing well.
Smith just completed her first year as a Children’s Village Academy science teacher but had to find a summer job to sustain an income.
“You still have to pay bills,” she said. “You have to find a summer gig to keep up with life.”
The Winston-Salem State University graduate is an assistant manager at the Lions Water Adventure park in Kinston. She plans to work there until Labor Day, with CVA back in session in August.
“It’s is different from what I’m normally doing,” said Smith, who teaches grades 6-8. “It’s a little less stress because you’re working with older people. It’s just something to save up for grad school.”
Other local teachers are taking the summer to jumpstart their continuing education tracks.
Mitzi Moye, Arendell Parrott Academy director of advising and community service, plans to start a degree program in documentary studies next week at Duke University, although it can take a few years to complete. She became interested after recognizing the gripping Patriots’ service projects.
“We should be lifetime learners,” Moye said. “The school supports our doing this sort of thing. … It makes it more fun for us as educators when you bring more things to the table.”
She said she’ll make contacts that can help enrich students while teachers and staff are out of the routine for the summer.
Area school systems offer various optional workshops and training sessions. Some grant workshops, which are required, compensate teachers who participate.
Banks Elementary School teacher Mary Beth Moye said the workshops have been helpful over her 22 years in the field. Additionally, she works with her peers to prepare for the upcoming school year.
“We’re already planning for next year,” said Moye, who spends the season with family. “Before the year is over, we start deciding things we want to do for the next year (and) how to make it better.”
While some teachers must find summer jobs, some positions allow them to practice classroom skills in some capacity.
Jennifer Spence, a Spanish teacher at North Lenoir High School, will be a residential assistant for an ECU camp for rising juniors and seniors. While she assists with entertainment and clerical activities this summer, she’ll brush up on her Spanish instructional skills by speaking it to curious campers — all while earning a few extra bucks.
“A lot of teachers have to find a job for the summer,” said Spence, who’s been teaching 10 years. “We only get paid 10 months out of the year, and then we have to make ends meet.”
Betsy Barrow transitioned into education after losing her flight-attending job eight years ago. With history as her subject of interest, she began teaching at Parrott.
“I love the interaction with the kids and trying to take something that I’m very passionate about and make it come alive for my students,” said Barrow, who uses the summers to read U.S. History essays at a conference in Louisville, Ky.
“My typical summer would be a lot of reading,” she said. “You pick up ideas from different teachers. Reading the essays helps you understand what (the state) is looking for, so I can help my students better prepare.”
Barrow will also begin summer school classes towards a doctorate in education at UNC, so she plans to be in the field a long time.
Cliff Edwards, a Parrott math instructor, is wrapping up his teaching career on June 30 after 35 years. He will tutor math students until his last day.
“During the summer,” Edwards said, “I’ve got one student that I’m working with that needs to complete algebra I.”
When he first started, he worked different summer jobs to occupy his time off. For the last seven years, Edwards has run the school’s front office.
Though teachers have the summer off, the administrative side doesn’t sleep. Most school buildings will remain open through the summer, even though area districts don’t typically host traditional summer school.
“Summer is very busy, probably busier than most people would expect,” said Brenda Hagan, principal of Snow Hill Primary School. “This is for your office staff and administrative staff. … For us, we will have people come in to register for kindergarten, and it picks up as summer goes by.”
Administration uses the two months to revise parent handouts, track data, move records and many other tasks, with workshops always an option for teachers.
“You should be constantly re-emphasizing with students,” Mitzi Moye said. “Honestly, I feel that’s one of the best things about being an educator.”
Jessika Morgan can be reached at 252-559-1078 or at Jessika.Morgan@Kinston.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessikaMorgan