Avoid the Summer Slide – Teacher Edition
School is almost out for summer. A big concern in schools around the world is that this time off often results in a loss of learning for students. In efforts to ensure students maintain all knowledge gained from the school year, teachers assign academic projects to be completed during their summer break. These projects spiral skills and help students remain academically sharp.
However, a concern that is rarely discussed is the summer slide for teachers. Many educators spend the summer with family and friends, completely unplugged from the profession. Although this is very healthy to an extent, not engaging with other educators and/or educational content for months produces the same results that educators themselves try to avoid with their students. We need to keep our skill sets sharp too!
[spp-tweet tweet=”What we don’t water, doesn’t grow.”]
Below are some tips to avoid the summer slide for teachers:
- Read something related to your field of expertise for every non-education related book or article you read
- Engage on social media with educators around the globe for instructional and/or classroom decor ideas daily
- Research one current best practice you plan to implement in the coming school year
- Listen to educational podcasts or books on tape for ideas and inspiration once a week
- Make a to-do list for back to school and revise it monthly
What tip would you add to this list for teachers to avoid their own summer slide?
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.