7 Tips for Teachers to Make the Most of Your Summer

Summer is now in full swing, and, if you’re a teacher, hopefully this means you get a few more moments of relaxation and personal productivity! The school year is always quite the ride, but now it’s time to wind down and take a little time for yourself. If you’ve been looking forward to the summer months, use the seven tips below to maximize them.

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1. Reflect on the Past School Year

Often times you’re so busy during the school year that you don’t really have the chance to mull over your day. Make up for this by spending some time thinking about what you did well and what you could’ve done better during the past school year. Finding a sense of clarity will help you develop a strong plan of action to head into the fall.

2. Take Time to Relax

During the school year, the work of a teacher is never done. As soon as you’ve finished grading papers, writing lesson plans and responding to parent emails, it seems like it’s time to start all over again. Combat the stress you’ve been under during the school year by indulging yourself in something that makes you happy. Read a book, go camping, plant a garden — whatever works for you!

3. Reconnect with Friends

Do you often feel like you hardly see your friends during the school year? It’s easy to get wrapped up in the day-to-day and lose your social life somewhere in the mix. Use the summer as an opportunity to catch up with your friends. Enjoy having a more flexible schedule and visit those with office jobs during their lunch break.

4. Enjoy Quality Family Time

If you have kids, this is the ultimate time for family bonding. Plan fun activities for your children to make the summer memorable for everyone. Watch movies together, take them swimming at the pool, go on a trip to the zoo, embark on family a vacation to somewhere they’ve never been — the possibilities are endless! Make each day an adventure that’s sure to create wonderful memories for everyone.

5. Start Thinking About Your Future

Have you ever thought about heading back to school for your master’s or doctorate degree? Take the time this summer to research graduate programs and see if this is the right move for your future. Learn more about what Argosy University has to offer.

6. Complete Continuing Education Requirements

If you have some continuing education requirements you’ll need to complete in the upcoming year, get them out of the way now. When you’re too busy to even think about adding another task to your to-do list during the school year, you’ll be very grateful you were so proactive. Plus, learning is fun when you have time to focus on it!

7. Start Preparing for the Fall

By no means should you spend your entire summer looking forward and planning for next year, but it never hurts to get a little ahead of schedule. Start thinking of ways to revamp tried-and-true lesson plans and get a little creative devising new ones you know your students will love. When your mind is free of other school-related stress, you have the capacity to come up with your best ideas.

8. Try Something New

Is there an activity you’ve been wanting to try, but couldn’t find the time during the school year? Now is your chance! Join a club, go to a yoga class, or volunteer for a local organization you’re passionate about. Reigniting your inner spark is sure to provide you with a sense of fulfillment and newfound energy that you can bring with you when you return to the classroom.

Interested in enhancing your career through education? Pick a date to stop by an Argosy University campus or request information about our programs in the College of Education.

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