It’s “Summer, summer, summertime – Time to kickback and unwind”. For educators, this popular anthem for summer rings particularly true. After months of incessant planning, teaching and grading, the final bell that marks the start of the summer break is a welcome relief. Here is some inspiration to make it a fruitful break and a productive summer!

Relax and Refresh
Summer is the perfect opportunity to take some time to relax and refresh yourself, both mentally and physically. Catering to hyperactive kids, managing parent expectations, answering to school administrators – all the demands of being an educator can leave you with very little ‘you-time’ during the school year, which is why summer is just the break you need to tend your needs.

Whether it’s indulging in a spa day, curling up for hours with a book you’ve been meaning to read, or catching up with friends you haven’t seen in months, make a deliberate effort to engage in energizing activities that light you up. If you’ve been skipping the gym in favor of grading tests, summer is a good time to pick up where you left off – the spike in dopamine and serotonin you get when you exercise means you’ll be feeling good both mentally and physically!

Don’t forget to get a good dose of Vitamin D too. Fresh air and sunshine offer a multitude of health benefits, so why not take the time during summer to hit the beach and make up for all the days you spent cooped up in your classroom? And if all you really want to do during summer is to catch up on all those lost nights of sleep, that’s great too. What’s important is to truly unwind, and relax, so you are refreshed and ready to go for the next year.

Refuel and Recharge (Your Teacher Toolbox)
Professional development is a crucial part of any educator’s career. Summer is a good time to invest in expanding your skillset as a teacher or reinforcing your knowledge – and there are a variety of ways to do so. Attend seminars or workshops to update yourself on changing pedagogy or new best practices in the education industry, while making new connections with others in the industry. Listen to podcasts, take courses online, or even visit a museum (with your teacher discount!) to refuel your intellectual tank and get inspiration for the new year.

Review, Reset and Restart
No matter how long you’ve been teaching, there’s always room for improvement. Summer is just the break from the hectic scramble during the school year to reflect on the previous year and assess what went well, and what you want to change for the upcoming year. Update yourself on curriculum changes, familiarize yourself with new technology tool you can incorporate into your classroom and make plans for the new year.

Before you know it, you’ll be getting ready for the start of the new year in fall. Make the most of this valuable time outside the classroom to ensure you’re ready for another exciting year!