Summer offers an opportune time to recharge and avoid adding to educator burnout, write Ben Talsma and Jamie MacPherson, learning specialists at the Van Andel Institute for Education, in the eSchool News.
“When summer finally rolls around and the last bell rings, we teachers can often find ourselves at a loss. Our instinct tells us to start preparing and planning for the next school year. However, doing so all but ensures that we burn ourselves out in the process.
“For educators, summer isn’t just an intermission between school years; it’s an essential space for rest, recovery, and reigniting our passion for teaching.
“Here are five strategies to help teachers get started:
“Take time to reflect: A good way to accomplish this is by staying in touch with coworkers throughout the summer months. Teachers should use this time to bounce ideas off one another and check in to see how their team is thinking and feeling. A reflection journal could help individual teachers organize their thoughts and ideas so they can return to them later.
“Do a Digital Detox: If teachers are truly looking to refresh themselves over the summer, it’s worth taking a break from the incessant demands of the screen. Teachers should consider spending their time outside. Simple things like walking on a park trail or fishing on a lake can sharpen the mind and greatly reduce stress.
“Nourish your whole self: Teachers should use the summer to set goals, attend STEM conferences they will enjoy, and enrich themselves in whatever way they need. These efforts should be balanced with plenty of restful pursuits like enjoying a hobby or spending time in community.
“Revamp your routine: Summer is an excellent time for teachers to embrace new, healthy lifestyle choices. Start by establishing a sleep schedule so they can begin each day feeling restored and well-rested. Spend time with others and build up their sense of community. Finally, teachers should give themselves time to be bored so their brains can slow down and reset.
“Celebrate your success: The summer season is when teachers should indulge in whatever makes them happy. Whether it’s treating themselves to a great meal, enjoying a movie, or splurging on something they have always wanted, taking a day to have fun can do wonders for a person’s mental and emotional health.
Teachers unequivocally deserve every peaceful moment that they can allow themselves to experience. We hope that this summer they give themselves permission to simply be–whatever that looks like to them. So, let’s meet each new morning with a sense of optimism, because now is the time to rest, reflect, and restore our passion for the classroom!
eSchool News
