As far as teachers, their hours, and the fact that they get off chol hamoed, etc., please let me clarify something for all those who feel that teachers get off easy.
First of all, a teacher who finishes the day at 4-4:30 has at least the same workday as any 9-5 job – as teachers start their days sometime between 7:45-8:30am.
Secondly, when a teacher finishes at 4 or 4:30, his or her day is far from over. They do not leave their work at the office. There are tests to grade, papers to mark, homework to check, lessons to prepare, parents to call…
With all this in mind – including the lower salary range and, in many cases, the late paychecks – I don’t think it’s fair to speak as though teachers have the easy life because they get off Yom Tov and chol hamoed, or even summer vacation. Teaching requires an emotional investment and energy that does not exist in other professions. If we want them to be able to recoup their energy and have koach for our kids, these vacations are not too much to ask.
And, no I am not a teacher. I am just a parent who appreciates what they do.