We turned the tables on Cherokee County teachers, asking them: What did you do on your summer vacation? We felt somewhat guilty, interrupting their relaxing respite to fulfill our assignment … but, they tackled the project with enthusiasm, and they all deserve an A+. We hope you’ll enjoy reading their answers!
Asher Kelsey
Sequoyah HS
Literature and film teacher (9th and 11th)
My summer has been delightful. My wife is also a teacher and we don’t have kids, so every day of vacation is an unqualified miracle. We managed a trip to the beach, but we’ve both really focused on catching up with our outside reading. I try to model lifelong learning for my students; I think it’s important they see me constantly challenging myself academically in the way I challenge them. Accordingly, I’ve been lapping up and wrestling with Bloom’s “The Western Canon,” Russell’s “Principia Mathematica,” Auden, and some blind spots in the O’Connor collection. I’ve also, like everyone, been much too acquainted with Netflix. Would I like to continue watching? Yes, Netflix. When have I ever refused you?
To fill in the gaps, here’s a list of mental snapshots from my vacation I can’t seem to shake: handing diplomas to a group of well-deserving recipients (whom I already miss); waiting on a birthday steak (order it Pittsburgh charred!) at my favorite establishment; discovering my cable provider is VERY willing to negotiate pricing; finding a 20-dollar bill; realizing I’ll never be able to spend it, its molasses face washed and dried beyond recognition; swapping ideas over dinner with an old friend; eavesdropping on a conversation between a long-married couple in a coffee shop (they’re still in love, it seems); listening to a doctor say words I’ve wished to hear; standing at the edge of my neighborhood pool before my first swim of the season in too-cold water; thinking I might wait another week for the temperature to rise; diving in.
Ben Rice
Mill Creek Middle School
Chorus and Orchestra Director
Summer is one of my favorite times of year. Partially because I get to catch up on rest, but also because I get to spend tons of time with family. I try to make it a goal of mine to spend as much time with my children as possible during the summer. Usually that entails spending lots of time at the pool, hiking, going to see movies, or just sitting in my big chair and watching their favorite shows.
Usually we take a vacation somewhere, usually to Tybee Island, and we visit family in other parts of the country.
All of this time doing things with my family doesn’t mean I don’t do anything educational over the summer though. I teach private instrument lessons, participate in different instrumental ensembles, and teach some band camps.
One of my very favorite things to do during the summer is to take each of my children out individually and give each one special attention they need. This summer has been especially important to do that, because we welcomed our third child to the family at the end of June. So this year we have made it kind of a “staycation” year. We have done lots of things around where we live, and loved every moment of it.
It’s been a great summer, and as they often do, it ended too soon!
Heidi Switzer
Drama teacher
Woodstock Middle School
Summer is an opportunity for teachers to rest and recuperate from the previous school year, while preparing for the year to come. At least, we attempt to prepare for the year to come, in between sleeping, traveling and spending time with the people we rarely see during the year.
This summer, for me, was no exception. My summer included lots of naps, summer walks and good conversation with family and friends. I also love to travel, and try to take at least one trip every year. To kick off this summer, I chaperoned a group of high school students from my church as we traveled to Gatlinburg, Tenn. We tubed, hiked and worshiped together amid the gorgeous Smoky Mountains.
My second destination of the summer was Chicago. Getting on an airplane, seeing people near and dear to me, and visiting the Windy City was wonderfully refreshing. Of course, The Bean was mandatory (it’s still there and still shiny in case you were wondering), and, although it started to rain, we still were able to admire the Navy Pier. There were gorgeous buildings, breathtaking waterways and yummy food, all with amazing people. It was quite an experience.
Between my two trips, I was fortunate to take a Director’s Boot Camp at the Cobb Energy Center. This boot camp allowed me to hear from theatrical professionals on how to effectively direct a musical. There is not a musical scheduled this season at WMS, but, who knows, keep your eyes peeled for 2020. I received instruction on choreography, music, lighting and sound. Inspiration abounded, as professionals sat together and talked about their passions. My summer has been one adventure after another and I’ve loved every minute of it!
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