Welcome to YT from one Alabama native to another!
A word of advice, which it sounds like you are already aware of. Please please PLEASE be very cautious when looking a pups in your area of the state. There are so many shady, puppy millers there that it's insane! (I actually ran across a lady years ago there that kept "about 50" (her words) dogs in an old chicken house on her property!
)
I would definately wait until
after your vacation to bring a new little one home. When they are young, they need a very calm, stable environment while they adjust. During your teacher's summer break would be a GREAT time to get one though as you will have more time to work with the new little one.
Good luck with your search!