Insulated concrete forms (ICF's) for walls for a Family Dollar Store
Large house with all exterior walls ICF's
Pour day
Large cotttage that is lifted and we poured an ICF basement underneath
All of these jobs except the house in the second picture have been out of town. I have been working long days in the heat, staying in hotels, and missing my family. I mention all of this to remind us as educators why the public thinks our job is easy. For many blue-collar workers who work hard every day just to get by, having "three months off" is inconceivable.
Now I realize that most of you are doing many school related things all summer such as working other jobs, planning, taking classes, and attending conferences. I would never say that teaching is anything but hard, stressful work (but also rewarding) and that we work many unpaid hours. But it is important to remember the perspective of others especially in down economic times that we are in and not take for granted or flaunt the "perks" of teaching.
So enjoy your summer, learn as much as you can, give back as much as you can, and re-charge your batteries for a great school year.
I sort of wish I was doing what you are doing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for documenting your very hard labor. I admire your dedication to breadwinning even though it takes you away from home and you have undoubtedly earned some time off if you are a teacher. We all have.
ReplyDeleteMany of our own in the teaching ranks are suffering from layoffs and the poor economy. I am so grateful for the job I have and the health insurance that comes with it (even though my co-pays just doubled) and we haven't had a raise in 3 years.
I also have to work second and third jobs every year to survive on my teacher's salary. One reason I'm relatively poor is that I am paying off that Masters I got to be a better teacher. So I live a very modest (practically un-American!) lifestyle. I drive a tiny used car, a 1 bedroom condo, recycled stuff, etc. I can not afford to travel for fun like people seem to think we do all summer. Where's all the glamour I was promised? ;)
Besides leading workshops as a professional developer (some of which cost me more than I make--I'm no rock star) I am reading about 8 pro dev books and learning my new job all summer. I took 4 graduate credits, too, which shot the budget another notch lower.
If we only had a dime for every time someone makes a wisecrack about how easy teachers lives are and how wonderful those mythical summers off are...we could retire!
Thanks for giving me a place to say what I can't say on my class blog. LOL