Summer break for educators is a much-anticipated period for us to unwind, rejuvenate, and prepare for the upcoming academic year. This summer break has been one of my most anticipated in my 14 years of education. This past school year began with a teacher strike, included learning a new system, multiple tragic events in our community, and changes in administration. I was left cognitively and emotionally drained, and in those final weeks I could feel it taking a toll. In the following weeks, I knew exactly what I needed to do but wasn’t sure how long it would take.
As usual each summer, I have ongoing responsibilities and loose ends that need to be tied up. In a typical year, I would normally work throughout the month of June to complete those tasks. However, this year, my wellness had to take priority. I shut down any work related activities until I had the capacity to pick back up where I left off. I even put off writing this blog and many other personal goals during this time. While my energy is not 100% yet, I am gradually getting back to the work. Here are three strategies to make the most of your summer break.
Recharge, Reflect & Reset:
- RECHARGE. Take time to relax, catch up on sleep, and engage in activities that bring you joy and improve your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellness. Check out this YouTube channel for a quick guided meditation resource. Take time to connect with loved ones who can fill your cup. Take time to travel and explore, even if travel is not feasible, getting outside and exploring your local community can be an adventure. I have a coworker who is participating in our wellness department’s 100 miles, 100 days challenge and she is exploring so many new places this summer. I really enjoy seeing her posts and all the joyful moments she is experiencing; Take time to pursue personal interests. Whether it’s learning a new musical instrument, exploring photography, gardening, or engaging in sports, investing time in personal interests can foster creativity and renew your energy. I have taken up a DIY project and it has been a great way to get out of my head and into my body.
- REFLECT. Take time to analyze feedback from your students, staff and supervisors. Take time to review lesson plans, presentations, how you spent your time, any learning you took part in and consider adjustments that can enhance future strategies. Take time to reflect on relationships you built with students, parents, and colleagues during the year. Reflect on the level of engagement and support you provided and Identify areas for improvement. Take time to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements and milestones you reached. Give yourself some grace here.
Remember, the goal of reflection is not to dwell on shortcomings but to learn from experiences and make informed adjustments. For more information on teacher reflection: “Now is The Time For Teacher Self Reflection“.
- RESET. Take time to connect with other educators during the summer break to collaborate, share ideas, and learn from each other. Join online communities, participate in forums, or attend meetups to engage in discussions and exchange best practices. Take time to plan ahead for the upcoming year. Having a well-thought-out plan in place will alleviate stress during the school year and allow educators to focus more on individual student and staff needs. Take time to catch up on reading that may have been put on hold during the hectic school year. Here are my summer reads: The School of Hope, Teaching With the Heart In Mind. Take time to set realistic goals for the upcoming year. Identify specific areas for improvement and outline actionable steps to achieve them. Take time to engage in professional development opportunities to get fresh ideas, learn innovative strategies and explore educational trends.
Conclusion
Summer break for educators is a valuable time for us to balance relaxation, personal growth, and preparation for the upcoming year. By reflecting on past experiences, pursuing professional development, exploring personal interests, and fostering connections with other educators, we can return with renewed enthusiasm, fresh ideas, and a deeper sense of purpose. Let this summer be an opportunity to recharge, learn, and grow. Give yourself some grace and renew your hope for a successful and fulfilling year ahead.
