Why I never teach summer school

Students and faculty often ask if I teach summer school.  I usually tell them, "Hell no."

When asked why, I explain that I am philosophically opposed to teaching over the summer.  And here's why.

With our student population, we have students who intentionally fail classes during the semester for the sole purpose of making up their credits over the summer.  Students develop this mentality that "Why should I bust my ass working 180 days during the school year for a credit that I can earn over the summer in 6 weeks?"

I want to play no part in enabling that student mentality.  I tell my students at the very beginning that if they are unwilling to accept their academic responsibilities during the school year then I will see them next September for another full academic year.

There are very few exceptions where students are legitimately in need of summer school, but I cannot accept that the best use of my time or the city's money is to tutor 1-2 students who legitimately need it while babysitting the students who chose to fail and would probably end up failing summer school if I taught it anyway due to the strict attendance rules.

I am by no means an easy teacher.  I am of the firm belief that we as educators represent more than student advocates and public servants, we represent a standard of achievement that we cannot settle for less on.  If a student can't read, how are they graduating?  If a student cannot multiply and divide then how are they graduating?  If a student cannot distinguish between a living organism and an inanimate object then how are they graduating?  We represent a level of mental/academic competance that our students reflect to the rest of their community.

There are some things you cannot allow to happen and I cannot participate in the systemic belittling of what a high school diploma stands for in terms of representing a firm academic standard.  Honestly, what does that say about a school that issues diplomas to students who cannot perform basic mental functions like simple math, reading, or writing?