Okay, I'm going to try posting AGAIN, but the last few posts I've added don't show up. Seeing as how I'm not a teacher, have never been a teacher, and don't intend on becoming a teacher any time soon, we'll see how valuable my comments are. How on earth can she say that you don't work very much??? I think that people see that you have the summers off and don't realize what you have to do to get to that point. So, how long is your school day? Let's say, for arguments sake, that it is 7 hours, 6 of actual teaching. That's 5 days a week, right? Okay, do you walk into a room with lesson plans already figured out? True, I'm sure that after a few years, they tend to repeat themselves somewhat. But, do you the tests you give appear out of the air? And I'm sure you don't have to grade anything. So, let's see. My friend, who taught first grade, generally worked until 5 pm every day, and she started at 7 am. And that's first grade! On a side note, however, when her husband had a day off from work, she made him come in and help her. I don't think she realized that he got a day off of work because they (the Army infantry officers) worked from 5:30am to 6pm minimum 5 days a week and a lot of times worked all night for weeks on end. But, I digress. I think teachers work very hard.

As for the role of parenting all by yourself, being a teacher has the advantage of being able to do some of your work from your home in the afternoon and evening (lesson plan and grading perhaps?) and you do have the summers off, which is nice. But, being a teacher has the disadvantage of not being able to take vacation time or sick days whenever you want to.

Okay, super long post, but I thought you'd appreciate someone on your side. -- Carrie
 

Wow, what a total load of hoo-ha. As the spouse of a teacher, I get this implication a lot when talking to people. "Oh, well since Kate has so much time on her hands. . .". Whatever. She's in by 6:30 or 7, and classes end at 2 or shortly thereafter.

Now let's count the hours devoted to helping students after the final bell rings, after-school activities, grading, and planning and I'd estimate that teachers work at least 50 hour weeks regularly, and in busy times that can approach 65-70. Tell your friend to go soak her head.

However, I have to admit that having two months off during the summer would is a particular benefit to teachers who are parents. How nice is it to have that time to spend with your son/daughter? I would like to have a chunk of the year off like that.
 

Thanks, guys!! It helps to be reminded that I'm okay. :-)
 

OK, I'm a little late, but what they said. 8 hours a day my (chili pepper!!!). Some days I'm gone for a good 12 hours. Granted, that includes commuting time, but that's still time that needs to be factored in when considering time spent raising a child.