Key points:
Most of a teacher’s time and energy are tied up in the classroom. Throughout the year, we pour ourselves into constructing lessons, exploring new tools, and fostering a sense of curiosity and creativity in our students. So, when summer finally rolls around and the last bell rings, we teachers can often find ourselves at a loss. Our instinct tells us to start preparing and planning for the next school year. However, doing so all but ensures that we burn ourselves out in the process.
For educators, summer isn’t just an intermission between school years; it’s an essential space for rest, recovery, and reigniting our passion for teaching. As such, it’s important that we take intentional steps to maximize our time and benefits.
Here are five strategies that can help teachers get started.
Take time to reflect: We all know that reflection is incredibly important. With the conclusion of the school year, it’s worthwhile to look back and consider what worked, what didn’t, and what should be carried over into the next semester. A good way to accomplish this is by staying in touch with coworkers throughout the summer months. Teachers should use this time to bounce ideas off one another and check in to see how their team is thinking and feeling. Additionally, a reflection journal could help individual teachers organize their thoughts and ideas so they can return to them later.
Do a Digital Detox: So much of life has become dependent on our devices. Companies have spent billions of dollars to ensure that our tablets and cell phones are as attention-grabbing as possible. If teachers are truly looking to refresh themselves over the summer, it’s worth taking a break from the incessant demands of the screen. Instead of scrolling on social media for endless hours, teachers should consider spending their time outside. Simple things like walking on a park trail or fishing on a lake can sharpen the mind and greatly reduce stress. It’s time to leave the phone behind and step into the wild green yonder!
Nourish your whole self: During the school year, itcan be difficult to find time for professional development. By contrast, the summer offers plenty of opportunities for both personal and professional growth. Teachers should use the summer to set goals, attend STEM conferences they will enjoy, and enrich themselves in whatever way they need. Of course, these efforts should be balanced with plenty of restful pursuits like enjoying a hobby or spending time in community. When teachers nourish their whole selves, they’re better prepared to start a new year as both professional educators and healthy humans.
Revamp your routine: Humans are creatures of habit, and when we set habits that help us grow, we’re more likely to become the people we want to be. Summer is an excellent time for teachers to shake up their routine and embrace new, healthy lifestyle choices. Teachers should start by establishing a sleep schedule so they can begin each day feeling restored and well-rested. Next, they should try to spend time with others and build up their sense of community. Finally, teachers should give themselves time to be bored so their brains can slow down and reset.
Celebrate your success: Teachers do awesome things every day, and they deserve some time to celebrate themselves! The summer season is when teachers should indulge in whatever makes them happy. Whether it’s treating themselves to a great meal, enjoying a movie, or splurging on something they have always wanted, taking a day to have fun can do wonders for a person’s mental and emotional health. After all, great work deserves a reward!
Teachers unequivocally deserve every peaceful moment that they can allow themselves to experience. We hope that this summer they give themselves permission to simply be–whatever that looks like to them. So, let’s meet each new morning with a sense of optimism, because now is the time to rest, reflect, and restore our passion for the classroom!
