What do Teachers do in the Summer? Advice for New Teachers to Thrive
As the warm embrace of summer envelops the school corridors and students embark on well-deserved vacations, a question often arises in the minds of curious minds: What do teachers do during the summer break? While some may envision educators basking in extended periods of relaxation, the reality is far more intriguing. Let us peel back the curtain and discover the captivating adventures that teachers undertake when the bell no longer rings and the classroom doors close for the summer.
At the forefront of most teachers’ minds in the summer is the beginning of a new school year. Teachers are planners. If you are ready to plan your first day in no time, drop your name and email below. I will send you my cheat sheet for teaching on the first day of school.
Teachers are Lifelong Learners
Contrary to popular belief, the summer break is not merely an extended holiday for teachers. Dedicated to their profession, many educators embrace the opportunity to engage in professional development and expand their knowledge base. They attend workshops, conferences, and seminars, exchanging ideas with fellow teachers, exploring innovative teaching strategies, and discovering new educational technologies. By staying abreast of the latest developments in their field, teachers continually enhance their skills and bring fresh perspectives to the classroom.
As a new teacher, you may not know which conferences or professional development to dive into. And, to be honest, until you have some classroom teaching under your belt, conferences may not be very valuable to you. My biggest piece of advice to new teachers when it comes to learning in the summer is to get to know your standards, your curriculum, and how to prepare for the first weeks of school. All of these things are vital to a successful school year.
Preparation for the Upcoming School Year
With a new academic year on the horizon, summer provides teachers with a valuable window to revamp and refine their curriculum. They invest countless hours brainstorming creative lesson plans, designing engaging activities, and aligning their teaching materials with evolving educational standards. This meticulous planning ensures that students will be greeted with a well-crafted, comprehensive learning experience when they return to school.
Understanding Your Standards
Knowing and understanding your grade-level standards can feel overwhelming as a new teacher, especially if you teach all subjects as many elementary teachers do. This task can feel impossible, but I promise you, it’s not. My advice is to find the major works of your grade in each subject. This will tell you the most essential standards. Learn those! Know those standards inside and out. These are the standards that are most vital to cover and ensure that your students have mastered them by the end of the year.
Learning Your Curriculum
In most schools, a curriculum or program is provided to teach each subject area. There are many reasons for this. The first is to ensure that students are getting research-based instruction. Another reason for a curriculum is to provide teachers with resources to teach their grade-level standards. It is not reasonable to have to write your lesson plans and units for every lesson in every subject. There is not enough time in the day to accomplish this, especially as a new teacher.
It is important to learn how your curriculum flows for each subject. Dig into any digital components that your school curriculum may have, such as slide shows. These can be incredibly helpful resources and understanding how they work and what is available can make a huge difference in your lessons. Learn about the scope and sequence of the curriculums that you will be using.
You do not need to have every lesson memorized, but it is important to have an overall understanding of how lessons and units flow to be fully prepared for the school year.
Preparing For the First Weeks of School
Of the three things that I have given you to prepare for the school year during the summer, this may be the scariest one of all. I feel you! I’ve been there. The first weeks of school, in my opinion, are the most critical to setting up a successful school year. What you do in these weeks will determine how your year flows.
You may be thinking: “Great, more pressure about the first weeks of school.” I get it. I had no idea where to begin when it came to setting up my first days of school, let alone my first weeks. Here is what I would do if I were you to prepare for these crucial days.
- Determine Your Rules and Procedures
Create rules for your classroom. Think about the age of your students and what they will need to be successful. Then, determine your classroom procedures. Write all of these down with explicit expectations.
- Develop a Classroom Management Plan
Effective classroom management provides a classroom environment that is conducive to student learning. Having a plan in place before the school year starts is crucial!
- Plan Your First Day of School
Create a detailed plan for your first day of school. Jam pack this day, so that you do not risk the chance that you have downtime. I promise you do not want downtime on the first day of school. I have created a cheat sheet for planning the first day of school. It will walk you step by step through how to plan your first day of school.
Drop your name and email below and I will send this cheatsheet straight to your inbox. You will have your first day of school planned in no time!
Personal and Professional Growth:
Summer also affords teachers the opportunity for personal and professional growth. Many educators choose to pursue advanced degrees or certifications, attend college courses, or engage in online learning platforms. By investing in their education, teachers not only deepen their subject expertise but also inspire their students to become lifelong learners themselves.
As a new teacher, your goal for professional growth should be focused on a successful first year. Seek guidance through mentors, colleagues, or even a course to help you be better prepared for the upcoming school year. If you want to grow your knowledge of how to start the school year strong and confident, check out my course “The First Weeks of School” and join the waitlist!
Rest and Rejuvenation
Last but not least, teachers do appreciate the chance to recharge their batteries during the summer break. After a demanding academic year, they take advantage of the downtime to rest, rejuvenate, and engage in self-care. By prioritizing their physical and mental well-being, teachers ensure they are at their best when they return to the classroom, ready to inspire and motivate their students.
As a new teacher, I know it can be hard to think of anything other than the school year ahead. This summer, make sure you dedicate some time for yourself, your friends, and your family. Relaxing now will help you have the energy to be the best teacher for your students come Fall.
So, what do teachers do in the summer? While the summer break may conjure images of idle lounging for teachers, the reality is far from it. Beyond the classroom, teachers embark on a multitude of activities aimed at their personal growth, professional development, and overall well-being. Whether it’s immersing themselves in lifelong learning, pursuing their passions, or exploring the world, teachers utilize the summer break to become better educators and individuals. As the new school year approaches, they return to their students armed with fresh perspectives, renewed energy, and a profound dedication to shaping young minds.