If you're a newer teacher (or even a veteran who needs a reset), you might relate! Balancing rest with the pressure to plan, organize, and “get ahead” can be tricky.
So, here's what I wish someone would have told me about summer break that first year.
1. You're Allowed to Rest without "Earning It."
I used to feel like I had to “deserve” summer break. I told myself I’d relax once I finished organizing my files, planning my units, and reading a stack of PD books. Spoiler alert: I just ended up being very, very tired.
Now I know that rest is not a reward -- it’s a requirement. You don’t need to laminate 500 things or color-code your entire life before you’ve “earned” a nap or a beach day. After a year of juggling, pivoting, and putting out classroom fires (maybe, sometimes, hopefully NOT literally), simply making it through is enough. Showing up for your students day after day is more than reason enough to slow down and recharge.
2. You Are Still A Teacher, Even When You're Not Teaching.
If you feel a little “off” without the structure of your school day, that’s normal. If you're anything like me, you might even have a mini identity crisis without the routine and purpose of the classroom. That doesn’t mean you’re doing summer wrong. It just means teaching is a huge part of who you are.
What can you do? Find other ways to engage your passions: create, read, tutor, organize, write. You’re still making a difference, even when your classroom is empty.
3. Your Identity is More than Just Your Classroom.
That first summer, I had no idea what to do with myself outside of being “Miss Clark.” I missed the routine, the hugs, the constant chatter, and even the tattling. Honestly, someone should probably do a psychological study on what happens to teachers when no one needs help opening their snack or tying a shoe.
The truth is, teaching is just one part of who we are. Summer is our chance to reconnect with all the other pieces! Whether it’s baking cookies you don’t have to share, hiking a trail without a line leader, or binge-watching something with absolutely zero educational value… do you. Refill your cup in whatever way makes you feel like a human again.
4. You Don't Have to Plan Your Whole Year in July.
It’s tempting to use summer to plan everything for next year, especially if you like being ahead. But here’s the truth: you’ll change and so will your students. Your ideas in July might not make sense come October.
Now, I jot down big-picture ideas and organize things like classroom systems, decor, and start-of-year routines. But I leave plenty of room to adjust once I meet my new group of learners.
5. Next Year Will Feel Different... Because You Will Be Different!
It’s easy to replay mistakes from the past year and worry about next year. But trust me: you’re not starting from scratch again.
You’ve learned how to manage transitions, build relationships, teach a lesson that bombed, and handle tricky conversations with families. Even if next year brings a new grade or new admin, you are already stronger than last August.
TEACHER - TO - TEACHER...
Give yourself credit. You’re growing, even in the quiet of summer. You don’t need to plan every minute of next year or prove your productivity with color-coded bins. You just need to give yourself what you actually need -- whether that’s quiet, adventure, creativity, or just a lot of snacks no one steals.
Who's up for the annual Teacher Summer BINGO?!
Think of it as a light-hearted challenge just for you. Check off what feels good, skip what doesn’t, and celebrate every little square you complete.
Make this summer about doing something that fills your cup, and realizing that even one or two small wins can make a big difference.
Take the nap. Read the book. Binge the show. Walk slowly through Target for absolutely no reason.
Soak it up, because you deserve every sunny second.
Happy summer!
