Thanks to Renee Moore at the Teacher Leaders Network for asking such an obvious question. It’s almost like the end of the Capital One Credit Card Commercials where the bad guy asks, “what’s in your wallet?” Renee instead asks, “What are you doing this summer?” as a way to show the difference between a teacher and a teacher-leader. Here’s her article: TeachMoore: Summertime…and the living is easy? Take a moment to read some of the responses of other educators around the country and how they are spending their summer break.

Reading that list debunks the myth that permeates the conversation when the talk of teacher pay comes about. The first thing I usually encounter from people is the 2 month ‘break’ during the summer. Ehem, not getting paid to sit on my bumpkis am I? Granted, most teachers, myself included, stretch our pay to cover the summer months so as not to have a lapse in a paycheck coming in. Very much a perk of the trade, but does not necessarily mean we are ‘getting paid’ for doing nothing.

Going back to the list for a moment, some of these activities will certainly net the teachers some sort of stipend or other supplement. But for the most part these teachers are forking out monies to go to conferences and workshops to BETTER their teaching for their STUDENTS. What a concept! What dedication to pedagogy! I was in a meeting with other tech specialists for elementary schools in my district a few months back, and the topic of a Digital Educator Development Camp came up. The person from the district gave the obligatory explanation and gave us the task to locate other educators on our campuses who might be interested in attending. The response from a couple of my colleagues pretty much separates Teachers from Teacher Leaders as Renee describes, “My teachers would never go for something like that, giving up a week of their time, and not getting paid for it. For what? To learn how to do some stuff in their classrooms?” After I picked myself off of the floor, for one of the few times, I was dumbstruck. I had no comment that wouldn’t have made me look like an utter idiot or a condescending jerk. Hence, I bit my tongue and kept my big mouth shut for a change.

This example though is the true epitome of the difference between the leaders and followers. So to follow her footsteps, I’m going to ask the same question. Moreso because I’m a nosy kinda guy, but I’m truly curious. Because what’s good for the goose…here’s what I’m up to this summer…

• I’m an extended contract (11 month employee) so my last day is not until next Friday. Yes…the teachers all went home last week, but someone has to clean the computer mess they’ve left behind. That’s where I come in
• I leave the 23^rd of June for Hotlanta for NECC2007. This will be my first time attending the NECC, so I’m extremely looking forward to it. Doing the Tigers/Braves game on Sunday with my dad, nothing like going to a game with the paternal figure I say. Ahhh, the memories!
• July I’m doing one of Discovery Education’s Summer Institutes. In particular, I will be partaking in the four day Bahamas cruise. This should be QUITE the experience. Having continued contact with several friends/colleagues from last year’s summer institute in Silver Spring, this year’s should definitely top that experience.
• End of July I’m at a digital educator camp for a week. I get to live in a dorm again from Monday to Sunday. No creature comforts at all, meaning, I’m bringing my TV! This should be a great experience with many of Florida’s Master Digital Educators teaching the workshops. The last 2 days will be spent honing our peer coaching skills to share/work with a new crop of teachers.
• August. Finally some time for me. Looks like I’m going to Hilton Head Island, SC with the family. Also have a friend who works on a golf course up there. SOOO, one of my dream rounds will finally come true. Looks like we will be playing Harbour Town.

I’ll be bringing the digital camera and snapping TONS of photos this summer. Can’t wait to share them all with you!

Now it’s your turn…What’s in your Summer Plans?

As always I’m…

Seeking the Wisdom of the Ages…

Tom.