Summer Plans
I love how everyone thinks teachers have “off” in the summer. Not only do I have to work another job, but I am never truly “off.” I am always thinking of how to do things better, how to reach all of my children, and how I can mix things up to keep it fresh. Many teacher blogs I follow have been out of school for quite a while and have updated their readers on their summer plans. Now that this year is winding down for me, I guess it is finally my turn to reflect and prepare for the upcoming year. I just found out I will be teaching third grade again- I am really excited to remain with my team in my same classroom. Plus, this will be my 5th year in 3rd grade and the experience helps me focus less on the curriculum and more on my delivery 🙂
Here goes my list:
Personal
Get out and walk my dog at least 2 miles daily
Exercise and lift light weights daily
Sit by the pool to relax
Catch up on reading non-educational books
Reconnect with friends and family
HAVE FUN 🙂
Professional
Create 6 mo-1 yr goals
Plan upcoming year changes/alterations
Create anchor charts/visual aids
Keep up-to-date on educational topics
Network, network, network!
HAVE FUN 🙂
I have learned over the years that balance is key. I can easily devour myself in my job. Although at times I felt like having to earn a supplemental income was a negative in my life because it made me have to leave school; I have now realized what it did was create balance. Now that I have organized my finances to allow less working of a million jobs, I find myself still stealing myself away from the classroom. Something about being in a different location helps me remained focused on my job. Putting on my pjs, blogging, and catching up on DVR somehow make me better at my job- go figure?!
But, I have realized, not losing myself in the process has kept me sane and kept me moving forward. I am now thankful I had a dog and a job to drive me home after work hours. Who knows what I might have missed out on had I never left my classroom until dusk?
I highly advise those of you out there with a million things on your plate, to fill your summer with balance. It might look different for everyone, but balance creates stability. Who doesn’t want more of that?
Enjoy yourselves out there. Keep in touch!
What is on your list this summer to prepare for next year and become the best you?
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.