We are smart, hard working, kind, creative and talented. We are the generators of future greatness. We are the salt of the earth, the cherry on top, the cream of the crop. We are teachers! Therefore, as the end of the school year arrives, we get just as excited about summer vacation as our students. We can already almost feel the soft sand between our toes, taste the margarita at pool side, feel the sun on our skin, and smell the flowers blooming. It’s time to clear our mind from the incredible responsibilities that every teacher feels towards their students and profession.
Most of us have had the infamous “teacher” conversation of defending our right to a long summer vacation. We may have said things like, “You can’t imagine the stress of standing in front of 30 teenagers every day trying to motivate them to learn.” Or, “Since I don’t make a million dollars a year with investments, at least I get the perk of an extended vacation.” Etc. etc. But, do most of us really use the entire summer for luxuriating on the French Riviera? And, if we are that lucky to do so, is it the best way to spend our summer?
Definitely take a week or two or three just to catch up with yourself. Veg out, go to the Bahamas, organize your closets, read a good book, enjoy an extended lunch with a long lost friend, whatever it takes to get you to feel that you are truly on vacation. And then, it might be wise to remember that in order to keep positive and motivated for September, this space of time can be used for some teacher inspiration.
Here are a few ideas for extending your summer vacation into the school year:
Most of all have a well deserved relaxing and energizing break and please share the best ways that you have spent summer vacation.
For my summer vacations, I used the first two weeks to just relax. This is followed by a family vacation and a professional development course or seminar. Two weeks before the time to report to work for the new school year, I reflect on the previous year to plan for the new year.
Sounds like you are following the recommendations in my blog, Enetta. Well done!