Four Ways for Teacher's to Take a Real Break During Summer

Some teachers turn downtime into a professional learning opportunity. But unplugging from work has a lot of value. After a great school year, allow yourself to rejuvenate during the summer. Many educators find breaking the busy summer professional development habit hard. If you’re dedicated to taking a real break this summer, here are a few swaps you can make to put the focus on you.

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Read What Brings You Joy

‍If you typically take home professional development (PD) books to prepare for the next school year, swap these out for books you’ve always wanted to read. Even if a book is not considered highbrow, be open to this indulgence. Visit your local library or locally-owned bookshop. Curl up and let a good story take you away.

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Seek Out a New Avenue for Seasonal Work

‍Instead of teaching summer camp or school; this might be the summer you focus on your side hustle. You can meet new people and expand your skills by trying a new employment adventure.

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Develop a Hobby

‍Try learning how to knit, paint, cook, do woodwork, or skateboard. Perhaps you’d like to start a yoga or pilates class. The summer is also a great time to learn a new language, volunteer, or whatever piques your interest. Dedicate some time every day to your new hobby. You’ll be amazed at how much you will learn and grow with daily practice (and it will make for an inspirational personal story for your students when school starts).‍

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Look Forward to Your Break Instead of Reflecting on Your School Year

‍Try to apply your reflection practice to your summer. Imagine yourself in August as the summer is winding down. Do you imagine feeling refreshed? Renewed? How will you fill in the blank in this sentence? “I am so glad I did _____ for myself this summer.” As educators, we always say you can’t pour from an empty cup. Let’s fill our cups so full this summer that they will run over for our students when school starts again. Your Fall 2023 self will be glad you did.