An inside look into the busy lives of educators in the summer months

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Do you sometimes wonder what the dedicated men and women entrusted with the education of our children from September to June do for "kicks" in the summer? The list of activities that keep teachers busy during July and August is as diverse as the teachers are original themselves.

"I know of at least two creative comic camps being put together by teachers this summer," says Darlene Keirstead, Enrichment Mentor for school District 2. "Many teachers give summer camps for kids as enrichment." There are also those who coach or play sports, such as Queen Elizabeth teacher, Mike Ivey, who plays for the Moncton Mets.

"Many volunteer in their communities in various capacities or through their churches by offering vacation bible schools," continues Darlene. "And then, there are those who teach summer school sessions for students in need of it, usually in high school."

Some not only lend their talent and skills to one area in the summer, but to many. A good example is Chris Falconer, teacher at Birchmount School. This summer, Chris plans to help out once again with his father's heating business, coach baseball for the Riverview Minor Baseball League and volunteer at the Jar Wrestling camp in Nova Scotia as well as camping, hiking and working on the house he just moved into.

"Teacher Learning Weeks" offer a large variety of enrichment classes related to teaching and school curriculum. Many teachers participate in these sessions on their own time.

"The sessions which are available range from offering new math strategies for teachers who want to reach out to more students having difficulties grasping the subject, to sessions that show teachers how to start a drama or chess club for those who would like to do so at their schools" explains Darlene.

Enrichment sessions are also offered to teachers in August prior to the students' arrival. Therefore, the teachers who provide the workshops, such as math or literacy mentors, must prepare for them during the summer.

"Some people think that teachers get all summer off, but that's not the case at all," says Carol Goguen, secretary at Bessborough School. "Many teachers spend countless hours of their own in order to ensure that they are well prepared for September. In my experience, a lot of teachers can often be found at the school during the summer months."