The final bell has rung, the whiteboards are wiped clean, and your classroom has been packed away for another year. Summer is here — and while the temptation to crash into full-on relaxation mode is real (and totally earned!), this season is also a golden opportunity to reset, recharge, and realign your goals.
Here are five things every educator should do this summer to nurture themselves personally and professionally — and return to the classroom stronger than ever.
1. Truly Unplug and Rest
You’ve been “on” for ten months straight — managing curriculum, caring for students, handling admin, and navigating ever-changing educational demands. Your first priority this summer? Rest. That means not just physical rest, but mental and emotional recovery, too.
- Take a tech detox weekend.
- Book that massage.
- Reconnect with hobbies that have nothing to do with school.
Rest is not a luxury; it’s a professional necessity.
2. Reflect and Reset
Before diving into planning for the next school year, take time to reflect:
- What worked well in your classroom this year?
- What challenges did you face?
- How did you grow as an educator?
Journaling your thoughts or recording voice notes can help you process the past year and clarify your next steps.
3. Invest in Personal Growth
You are more than an educator — you’re a whole human with dreams, passions, and goals. Use the summer to nurture your personal development, not just your professional one.
- Enroll in a non-education related course (photography, wellness, writing, etc.).
- Read books that inspire you outside of your teaching identity.
- Attend local events or join communities that fuel your creativity and confidence.
4. Plan with Purpose
Once you’ve had time to unwind, begin thinking about the upcoming school year — with intention. This is your chance to rethink routines, explore fresh strategies, and gather resources without the usual time pressure.
- Set 2–3 key goals for the next school year.
- Explore innovative tools or curriculum updates.
- Create a flexible plan that prioritizes student engagement and teacher sustainability.
5. Connect and Collaborate
Summer is also the ideal time to connect with fellow educators — beyond the school building.
- Attend an education conference (in-person or virtual).
- Join a mastermind or summer book club.
- Network with educators from around the globe through social media or professional learning platforms.
Remember, your community is your strength — and collaboration breeds creativity.
Final Thoughts:
Summer isn’t just a break — it’s an essential part of the educator’s lifecycle. By intentionally using this time to rest, reflect, reset, and reconnect, you’re not only preparing for another successful school year — you’re also honouring yourself as a lifelong learner.
So take that nap, book that getaway, and invest in you. Your future self (and your students) will thank you.
