When returning to classes, students are often asked to write about “How I spent my summer vacation.”

But what about the other side of the teacher’s desk? Teachers enjoy some time off over the summer as well and the way they spend it is as varied as their students.

Some work other jobs, some travel, some spend time taking classes. And most have seen changes in their summer breaks as they progress in their teaching careers.

Elementary teacher Rick Halligan has seen plenty of changes to his summer routine. He will be starting his 31st year of teaching this fall.

-Submitted photo
Middle School teacher Whitney Ford and her husband Nick also spent time at a waterpark in Wisconsin with their three girls. Ford said her summers have changed since becoming a mother.

He has taught fourth grade in Jacksonville, Florida, seventh grade in Kansas City and two years at Fort Dodge Senior High School along with several years as an elementary teacher. He will be teaching at Feelhaver Elementary School this school year.

“I really enjoy summer vacation and doing my own thing,” said Halligan. “I like relaxing and doing different projects. Sleeping in a little later has also been a blessing. The best part of summer vacation is doing what I want to do when I want to do it.”

This summer, Halligan and his wife, Mary, traveled to Jacksonville and stayed on the beach. He visited the school where he began his teaching career in 1995 and had dinner with his former vice principal and his wife.

They also visited St. Augustine, went to the Jacksonville Zoo and hung out on the beach.

In July he and his wife helped move his son, Shane, and his girlfriend to Columbia, Missouri, where Shane will be attending the University of Missouri School of Law.

-Submitted photo
Elementary teacher Rick Halligan and his wife Mary spent part of his summer break on a trip to Jacksonville, Florida. They spent a lot of time just relaxing on the beach.

Halligan said the biggest change over the years is he and his wife are now empty nesters. When their three sons were at home, they were always at baseball practice or at games.

Halligan is also now a grandfather and he tries to spend as much time with his grandchildren as possible.

“I cherish every moment I get to spend with my grandchildren regardless of the time of year,” he said. “We’re lucky that our son Tommy and his family live close to Fort Dodge so we can see our grandchildren.”

Halligan said next summer will be a big one because technically it will be his last summer break. He plans to retire in two years.

“Next summer will be sort of like my last one. I will then teach for one more year and June of 2027 will begin my really long summer vacation,” he said.

Halligan said summer break is always a good time, but it’s always exciting to begin a new school year. And it means football is right around the corner, he added.

Whitney Ford, who will be the sixth-eighth grade lead teacher this coming school year, said summer break is a time for her to relax.

“Summer break is the fastest, most rewarding break of the year,” she said. “After an entire school year, summer break is a time I use to relax. The best part is being able to spend time with my family and do things wherever. I can grocery shop in the middle of the day if I want.”

This summer, Ford and her husband Nick went to a Twins vs. Cubs game and took their three girls to a waterpark/hotel in Wisconsin while watching her nephew play baseball. They golfed a few times and spent a lot of time in their pool.

Ford, who will start year 13 this fall, also took time to read this summer and did some garage sales and thrifting shopping.

“I enjoy sitting down to read a good book,” she said. “Each summer I try to read books for enjoyment, soak up as much pool time as possible and spend time with family and friends.”

She said her breaks have definitely evolved with three girls. She and her husband used to go on a trip to a tropical location, but three kids keep them busy all summer. She said as the girls get older, tropical vacations will definitely be back in their plans.

Ford said she does her best to just relax and enjoy summer, but she does find herself brainstorming and thinking about the upcoming year. She also took classes toward her administrative degree, so that made her think about school more than normal.

“Typically I try to convince myself that July is the month to completely disconnect from school, which is refreshing,” she said. “Once August hits, it’s definitely time to start thinking about school and there hasn’t been a year yet that I haven’t been ready to go back. I love my students and the people I work with every day.”

Ben Hennessy, the ag teacher at Fort Dodge Senior High, spent much of his summer slowing down (but not stopping). But, he admitted school was on his mind all summer long.

“I really enjoy summer break. It’s my time to slow down, but not stop, and recharge my batteries for the upcoming school year,” he said. “As an ag teacher, there is always something I need to do at school like attending to the greenhouse and preparing for FFA summer contests and events.”

Hennessy had the opportunity to judge 11 county fair 4-H static projects. As an ag teacher, he spent a lot of time preparing and planning for the Webster County Fair and the Iowa State Fair. He ended his summer at the state fair, where he worked for the Iowa FFA and the Iowa 4-H department.

“I like to stay busy,” he said. “I always need to be doing something.”

He was also able to attend a family reunion this summer and he was able to return home and attend the Harrison County Fair in Missouri Valley.

Hennessy also found time to watch some of the Dodger baseball and softball games.

As for the future, Hensey, who will begin his fourth year at FDSH, plans to add a vacation out of state to his summer plans.