How Many Days of Vacation Do Teachers Get?

By Alice Nichols

If you are considering a career in teaching, or you are already a teacher, you may be wondering how many days of vacation you will get. Teachers work hard throughout the year to educate their students and prepare them for the future.

However, they also need time to relax and recharge, just like everyone else. So, let’s take a look at how many days of vacation teachers typically get.

State Laws

The number of vacation days that teachers receive can vary depending on the state they work in. In some states, there are laws that require schools to provide a certain number of vacation days for teachers. For example, in California, teachers are entitled to two months (or 60 days) of summer vacation.

Contractual Agreements

In addition to state laws, the number of vacation days for teachers can also be determined by contractual agreements between the school district and the teachers’ union. These agreements outline the terms and conditions of employment, including compensation and benefits such as vacations.

Number of Work Days

The total number of workdays for teachers can also affect their vacation time. Typically, most schools have around 180 school days in a year. This means that teachers can expect to have around 185-190 workdays per year when accounting for professional development and other teacher-only days.

Sick Days

Teachers may also receive sick days as part of their benefits package. The number of sick days varies depending on the school district, but it is usually between 10-15 per year.

Holidays

Teachers usually receive holidays off during the school year as well. These holidays include Thanksgiving break (typically one week), winter break (two weeks), spring break (one week), and various other national holidays such as Martin Luther King Jr Day and Presidents’ Day.

  • Thanksgiving break: typically one week
  • Winter break: two weeks
  • Spring break: one week
  • National holidays: such as Martin Luther King Jr Day and Presidents’ Day

Total Vacation Days

So, how many days of vacation do teachers get in total? Based on the factors listed above, it can vary.

However, on average, teachers can expect to have around 10-12 weeks off per year, including summer vacation, holidays, and other breaks. This amounts to around 70-80 vacation days per year.

Note:

It is important to note that while teachers do receive a significant amount of vacation time, they often work long hours during the school year and may spend their vacations grading papers or planning lessons. Additionally, some schools may require teachers to attend professional development or training sessions during their vacation time.

In conclusion, the number of vacation days for teachers varies depending on state laws and contractual agreements. On average, teachers can expect to have around 10-12 weeks off per year. However, it is important to remember that teaching is a demanding profession that requires hard work and dedication throughout the school year.