<p>I'm interested in teaching partially because of the prospect of what I could do during the summertime...I would love to work on writing novels, freelancing for magazines, become a tour guide, teach English in another country, become a historical re-enactor, or work at a national park. I could not make a living doing most of these things otherwise because of their poor pay, so becoming a teacher might be the only way. Plus, I think I would enjoy being a teacher and find it a fulfilling experience. I know teaching is a huge commitment, however. Teachers and ed majors--from your experience, do you have time/do you think you will have time to do such endeavors? Am I being too ambitious to think I can do the some of the things above--and teach? </p>
<p>I know there's two pathways to my dreams, a job that will help me pay for them, or a job that let's me pursue them. I'm just not sure which route is the more sure one to personal satisfaction.</p>
<p>I assume you are talking about non-college teachers, so I will answer it from that standpoint. </p>
<p>Teachers have most of the summer off. Often, they are required to stay a week or two later than the year ending, and come in a week or two earlier than the year beginning. Other than that, they’re free. Many teachers take up jobs during the summer, either teaching or doing other things.</p>
<p>Based on the teachers I know/have know…
Teachers mostly have most of the summer off. Sometimes they need to spend time in the summer taking courses (sometimes required to keep/update/upgrade a license. Sometimes they spent some time in the summer developing lesson plans, reviewing and ordering new materials and otherwise doing work that they do not have time for during the school year. I know one teacher who did , in fact, write a novel while a teacher. It was published too. (IN a very minor press). He eventually left teaching to pursuing writing full time. Teaching itself also does not pay well so many teachers must find work in the summer to support themselves.</p>