Lists for teachers

Whew! You made it…barely, maybe. Summer is here, and while we all need a few days (weeks?) away from thinking about teaching, we know that at some point we want to dip our toes back in the stream and renew our enthusiasm for being in the classroom. If you are like my wife, also a teacher, and just want to sit by the pool and not thinking about work, just focus on #4, #5, and #9!

Happy summer, and happy refreshing!

1. Attend Professional Development Workshops: Engaging in workshops or conferences can provide new ideas, teaching strategies, and a chance to network with other educators. This can be invigorating and inspiring.
2. Read Educational Books and Articles: Spending time reading books or articles about new teaching methodologies, classroom management techniques, or inspirational teacher stories can reignite passion for the profession.
3. Take a Course: Enroll in a course related to your subject area or on a completely new topic. This can enhance your expertise and bring fresh perspectives to your teaching practice.
4. Engage in Creative Hobbies: Pursue hobbies or creative activities that you enjoy but might not have time for during the school year. This can reduce stress and stimulate creativity, which can be brought back into the classroom.
5. Travel: Traveling to new places, whether locally or internationally, can provide new experiences and insights that can be shared with students. It can also offer a well-deserved break and change of scenery.
6. Reflect and Set Goals: Take time to reflect on the past school year, considering what worked well and what didn’t. Setting goals for the upcoming year can provide direction and motivation.
7. Connect with Colleagues: Spend time with fellow teachers in informal settings to share experiences, ideas, and support. This can foster a sense of community and collective enthusiasm.
8. Volunteer: Engaging in volunteer work can provide a sense of fulfillment and perspective, reminding teachers of the impact they can make beyond the classroom.
9. Relax and Recharge: Make sure to prioritize rest and relaxation. Taking care of your mental and physical health is crucial for sustaining passion and energy for teaching.
10. Explore New Technology and Tools: Experimenting with new educational technology or classroom tools can be exciting and can lead to innovative ways of teaching in the upcoming year.