Avoiding The Summer Slump: Teacher Edition
Written by: Abigail Carter
Summer break is a well-deserved time for teachers to rest and recharge, but it can also bring the “summer slump”—that sluggish feeling when motivation dips and energy wanes. To start the new school year energized and inspired, here are some practical strategies to help you stay refreshed throughout your summer and ready to welcome a new chapter of teaching in the upcoming school year!
Prioritize Self-Care
Teaching is demanding, so use summer to focus on your physical and mental well-being.
- Get moving: Regular exercise boosts mood and energy. Try walking, yoga, or a even a new sport. My favorite activity is just to go on a walk after dinner. My boys often ride their bikes and it gets us all out of the house.
- Rest well: Maintain a regular sleep schedule to reset your body clock.
- Healthy eating: Nourish yourself with balanced meals to fuel your brain and body. BUT…don’t forget to have some fun treats also – my family enjoys working on Indy’s Best Ice Cream spots and we try to cross off a few new places each summer! Don’t live in Indy? Your city or town most likely has a list of their own as well. And, you never know who you will run into while grabbing a treat. Last summer, my family was surprised by a famous customer at this ice cream spot – and we were the only ones in the parlor with her!
Hello, Caitlin Clark!
Pursue Passion Projects
Engage in hobbies or interests outside of teaching. This helps prevent burnout by giving your mind a break while still feeling productive and fulfilled. Whether it’s painting, gardening, or reading, make time for what brings you joy. My current summer project is growing a garden with my boys. So far, so good! We have been keeping a daily journal of plant activity – this helps avoid the “summer slump” for them too!
Reflect and Plan Thoughtfully
Use some quiet moments to look back on the past school year: what worked well, what could be improved. Jot down ideas or goals for the upcoming year. This reflection provides clarity without pressure. One of my favorite summer activities (and super easy!) is ordering my new school calendar for the year (can be found on Amazon for less than $10!) I enjoy writing down dates in my calendar over the summer so I can have a fresh start and feel prepared and organized ahead of time.
My new calendar – it always brings me joy!
Stay Connected with Your School Community
Keep in touch with fellow educators over the summer. Sharing experiences and ideas can inspire you and ease the transition back to work. Over the summer, try writing an encouraging note to a co-worker who might have had a difficult class the year before. I always feel encouraged after I encourage someone else! You could mail it, or leave it in their mailbox at school. No positive notes at home – I’ve got you! Use this link and print off the Canva Design I have created!
Explore Professional Growth Opportunities
If you feel up to it, summer can be a great time to take a workshop, read new educational books, or try online courses. Just be sure to balance this with relaxation. I enjoy workshops and courses on Keep Indiana Learning or the IDOE because they often are free of charge, include PGP points, and sometimes even offer educators a stipend for registering!
Explore a New Form of Technology or Lesson Idea
Set specific times if you want to work on school tasks, and give yourself guilt-free breaks. The summer is a great time to explore a new technology tool or lesson idea that you have been curious about. I recently found 2 new online tools (and free!) that I plan on using right away with my new students. “We Will Write” is an easy and engaging technology that allows students to write according to a fun prompt, vote on responses, and even work with a team. “Quizziz” is another online tool that includes pre-made vocabulary quizzes that can be easily changed or tweaked according to your activity.
Starting the new school year refreshed isn’t just about avoiding burnout—it’s about showing up as your best self for your students. With a balanced summer approach, you’ll feel energized, motivated, and ready to inspire the classroom once again!
Resources
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