10 Ways to Learn Over Summer Break as a Teacher Leader
Summer is here! Being intentional with how you spend your time will ensure you are able to rest, enjoy time with friends and family, and build in some time to continue learning. As a professional, it’s important to hone your craft, especially as things in education change. There are always new strategies, techniques or curriculum to become familiar with. Summer is the perfect time to carve out time each week to learn something new!
Prepare for your learning by setting some boundaries like:
- Set aside time weekly
- Learn in short spurts
- Take notes to reference later
- Grab a buddy and learn together
Now you’re ready to begin the learning process. Below are 10 ways teacher leaders can learn over summer break:
Read
- Books and/or Book Study– Cozy up with a good book and a highlighter (book suggestions here)
- Magazines– Subscribe to paper or online magazines on leadership (ie. edweek or ASCD Ed Leadership)
- Newsletters– Subscribe to an organization or teacher leader who sends out a weekly or monthly newsletter of tips (ie. Always A Lesson, Simply Instructional Coaching, Cultivating Teacher Leaders)
- Blogs– Follow education blogs that will provide new ideas and inspiration (Always A Lesson, Edutopia, The Compelled Educator)
Listen
- Podcasts– Listen to audio blogs called podcasts while you’re busy on the go! (ie. Empowering Educators, Buzzing with Ms. B, Truth for Teachers, Cult of Pedagogy, Simply Instructional Coaching)
- PD Videos for Licensure Credit– Earn credit towards your license by listening to professional development on the latest trends and best practices in education (ie. Professional Learning Board)
Engage
- Conferences and Workshops– Attend virtual and in-person conferences to connect with other leaders and gain knowledge and strategies (ie. Simply Coaching Summit and National Education Association)
- Grow your own Professional Learning Network (PLN)– Find other teacher leaders in your area or online to connect with regularly (ie. Facebook groups like Women in Ed Leadership, Instructional Coaching Connection, Simply Instructional Coaching Support)
- Social Media Chats– Join in on Twitter or Clubhouse Chats on all sorts of education topics (ie. Twitter Chat Schedule and Instructional Coaching Club on Clubhouse)
- Conduct Research for a School Project– Find out from your administrators what initiatives will be implemented the following year and conduct your own research over the summer to prepare to teach staff (scholarly articles found here)
Looking for something to help you grow during the school year? Join my Teacher Leader Mastermind! You’ll virtually meet twice a month with other teacher leaders around the nation. Gain knowledge and fresh ideas, broaden your perspective and grow your skillset. We’d love to have you join us. Limited spots. Grab your seat here now!
Looking for more coaching resources? Grab this MEGA BUNDLE to start planning for next year!
GO BE GREAT!
How do you learn over summer break?
About the author, Gretchen
I am a teacher trainer and coach. Working elbow to elbow with teachers and teacher leaders to ensure instructional proficiency and student achievement soar lights me up. We have a real need in our nation for strong educators to remain in the field. My blog, book, podcast, courses and instructional materials are geared towards empowering teachers (and those that lead them) to receive the support needed to grow and thrive today, tomorrow and always.