Why Breaks Matter: A Teacher’s Perspective
Written by Ms. Shahnoor
Let’s be honest—teaching is hard. And I don’t just mean “busy” or “hectic.” I mean physically, mentally, and emotionally draining. That’s why I strongly believe that breaks—like the short ones in spring, winter, and autumn, and especially the long summer break—aren’t just nice to have. They are essential.
People outside the classroom often say, “Oh, teachers have so many holidays!” But those of us living this life know the truth. Teaching isn’t just a job. It’s a full-time, never-ending responsibility that follows us home, fills our minds long after school hours, and sometimes even shows up in our dreams.
We’re not just teaching a subject anymore. Today’s classrooms are inclusive. That means we’re also planning for students with different learning needs, adapting lessons, making sure no child is left behind—and doing it all with care and patience.
On top of regular lesson planning, we create backup plans, think on our feet when things don’t go as expected, meet deadlines for school-wide tasks, mentor students, support our fellow teachers, and help organize school events and extracurriculars. And when we finally head home, our day isn’t over.
We cook. We clean. We help our own kids with homework. We run errands. We manage our households. And we try to be emotionally present for our families, even when we’re already stretched thin.
So yes, we need those breaks. Not because we don’t love teaching—we absolutely do—but because we’re human. We need time to rest, reset, and come back refreshed.
A break gives us a chance to breathe. To catch up on sleep. To spend time with our families without rushing. To simply slow down.
Without breaks, we burn out. And when teachers burn out, the whole system suffers—because we can’t give our best when we’re running on empty.
So if you ever wonder why teachers need so many holidays, just know this: they’re not vacations. They’re survival. They help us show up, day after day, with energy, care, and the ability to do what we do best—teach from the heart.