Summer break offers a much-needed pause for educators—a time to recharge, reflect, and reimagine. While international travel often tops the summer wish list, many educators are opting to stay closer to home this year, whether for financial, family, or personal reasons. But staying local doesn’t have to mean staying idle. There are countless meaningful, restorative, and inspiring ways to spend the summer without a passport.
Here are several ideas for educators looking to make this summer count—professionally and personally:
1. Reconnect with the Joy of Learning
Summer is the perfect time to be a student again. Online platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udemy offer free or low-cost courses in everything from neuroscience to watercolor painting. Whether it’s diving into a new subject or sharpening a skill, taking a class just for the joy of it can reignite your passion for learning—and teaching.
Pro tip: Explore non-education subjects. Philosophy, architecture, even coding can bring fresh perspectives to your classroom thinking.
2. Read Without a Syllabus
Most educators have a reading list longer than a school year. Summer is a rare opportunity to indulge in books that aren’t tied to curriculum or professional development goals. Mix fiction, memoirs, and even graphic novels into your summer reads to unwind while still expanding your worldview.
Try this: Create a mini book club with fellow educators or friends and meet weekly (virtually or in person) to discuss.
3. Start a Creative Project
Have a story in your head, a podcast idea, or a knack for photography? Summer is the time to explore creative outlets that often get pushed aside during the school year. Creative projects not only feed the soul—they often bring surprising insights into how we approach our students and our teaching.
4. Volunteer Locally
Giving back to your community through summer volunteering is both grounding and fulfilling. Local literacy programs, food banks, museums, or youth camps often welcome extra hands—and you’ll gain new connections and experiences that can find their way into your classroom.
5. Redesign Your Classroom—Mentally or Physically
Take a fresh look at how your classroom or teaching methods could evolve. Maybe it’s time to rethink your seating layout, build a classroom library, or integrate more project-based learning. Planning during the low-stress summer months can make the back-to-school transition smoother and more exciting.
6. Prioritize Wellness
Above all, summer should be restorative. Whether it’s yoga, hiking, meal prepping, or simply sleeping in, now’s the time to invest in your mental and physical well-being. Many educators carry the weight of emotional labor throughout the year; giving yourself space to reset is not indulgent—it’s essential.
Suggestion: Try a local retreat or wellness center for a weekend getaway with purpose.
7. Explore Local Tourism
Become a tourist in your own town or state. Visit that museum you’ve passed dozens of times, take a local history tour, or hike a new trail. You may discover cultural gems and experiences that can be brought into your teaching—while avoiding airports altogether.
8. Build Your Professional Network
Conferences aren’t only international or out of state. Look into regional workshops or virtual events happening over the summer. Engaging with peers from your area—or globally through online platforms—can offer fresh ideas and lasting connections.
Final Thoughts
A fulfilling summer doesn’t require a plane ticket. It simply requires intention. Whether you’re expanding your skills, nurturing your passions, deepening your community ties, or simply allowing yourself to rest, these slower months can be an essential part of your professional rhythm.
Educators are known for pouring endlessly into others. This summer, make space to pour into yourself. Because when you return to the classroom reenergized and inspired, your students benefit too.