Often, there are misconceptions about what Orono High School teachers do over summer break and in their free-time. Indeed, teachers have an extended summer break compared to other average occupations; However, it is not as long as some may interpret or believe. During the summer months, teachers continue to think about their school work as well as have a life outside of school.
The actual time teachers have off, according to the school, is around two months, compared to the students of OHS who get approximately three months off. English teacher Grace Nohner said, “We [teachers] work into mid June and start preparing to get back in early August.” Some teachers believe they have more than 2 months though. Marketing teacher and DECA advisor Keith Jurek said, “We have about the same time off, when you’re done, we are done. I come into the school about every 10 days in the summer though.”
Teachers do have their “break” from school, but they do not stop involving themselves in school/teaching related activities. Spanish teacher Marilyn Pedersen said, “I read a lot of spanish books and books on education. Also, I like to shop for my classroom.” Chemistry teacher Elliot Tyler is currently working on getting his Master’s Degree in teaching. During the summer, most teachers go to workshops, change or add to their curriculum, take extra classes or simply make lesson plans.
Not only do teachers continuously involve themselves in teaching, some have other jobs as well. Math teacher Michelle Swenson tutors at the Huntington Learning Center. Pedersen used to teach Spanish summer school, Jurek used to paint houses and Biology teacher Timothy Haislet has and continues to do construction work during the summer months. OHS’ very own principal, Dave Benson, used to work at the Pepsi bottling plant. Benson said, “It was awesome, one of the best jobs I have ever had!”
Like students, teachers do not see each other very often in the summer. A few teachers get together to plan their curriculum for the year ahead. Michelle Neal said, “Mr. Aman and I get together to plan every once in awhile. We usually spend about a week planning.” However, some teachers get together just for fun. Haislet gets together with a few other teachers on the third floor for golfing once a week.
Don’t worry, teachers do have a life outside of school. Many have multiple hobbies that they enjoy doing not only in the summer but in their free time during the school year as well. Neal said she enjoys running, backpacking, rock climbing, canoeing and walking her dog. Business teacher Leslie O’Meara enjoys biking, running, swimming and boating. English teacher Larry Williams loves to read, garden and play soccer. Teachers Nohner, Benson, Pederson, Jurek and Swenson all also enjoy reading in their spare time.
This summer, teachers have plans all across the board. Their plans range from relaxing and being with their family, to traveling around the world. Jurek plans to spend about 45 nights in his camper. Haislet is looking forward to a 10 day motorcycle journey to Montana. Some teachers have plans to travel to multiple places across the county. O’Meara said, “In June I am going to San Francisco, July I am going to Chicago and in August I will be going out west. I am super excited.”
Teachers have a wide spectrum of activities they do in the summer. Also, many teachers have different perspectives on how much time they actually have off. Most say two months; however, some say there is never a break. Williams said, “I never stop, I am always thinking about things with school and teaching.”
Madeline Hill is the Editorial Editor for The Spartan Speaks