Seven things future teachers can do this summer to shine bright
Updated: Jun 9, 2022
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All right, future teachers, you are done with your semester. You passed the tests and completed your fieldwork. Congrats! I'm so proud of you. Let's chat about what you can do this summer to relax, recharge and reenergize for the semester ahead.
Relax! It's summer break, after all.
Sleep in, rest by the pool, and do activities that bring your heart and mind joy and relaxation. 𝙏𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙝 shares that it's essential to take some "me" time. So take some time and jot down a list of activities to bring you joy. I will be taking walks, reading, and spending time with family.
Ms. Jachymiak adds to this idea by stating, "Relax! You deserve a break too." I couldn't agree more, future teachers. You deserve a relaxing break.
Create a self-care and mental health plan.
Several members of my PLN suggested this idea. For example, Dr. Heather Michele shares, "Pick mental health and develop a plan to stick with it!" What does this mean? Also, to relax this summer, find ways that you can support your mental health. Practice these strategies this summer to get into a good routine when the fall semester hits. For example, try journaling or yoga. Self-care looks different for everyone, so continue to practice your self-care routine. It takes time to find what works best for you.
Kevin Leichtman, Ph.D., adds, "Love this list! I'd add, workout! Get the exercise routine going." This one is important, and I'm glad Dr. Leichtman added it to the list. Exercise helps your body in so many ways. Getting into an exercise routine can help you keep up with it throughout the semester. My exercise routine looks different every day. I like to lift weights, hop on the elliptical, or focus on legs or abs another day. Sometimes my workout is going for a walk with my family. Find a way that exercise can fit into your schedule in a fun way.
Resources:
Self-care: Let's do this!
Self-Care for Student Teachers featuring Kiana Cole
Keep learning.
As teachers, we get to keep learning. It is part of our job. There are so many ways we can learn and grow over the summer. Here are a few ideas to get you started
Attend an edcamp
Participate in an educational conference. Mara Proie shares, "I would add attending academic conferences. You learn so much. You also get the opportunity to network with teachers and administrators!"
Read a book or two or three. A few books mentioned by PLN include:
EduMagic Shine On a Guide for New Teachers
EduMagic A guide for Preservice Teachers
Peter Liljedahl
PlayFull classroom
Take a college course. You can ease your credit load in the fall or spring semesters by taking a class during the summer. Before taking a class offered outside your college, make sure it transfers.
Work on your digital portfolio.
Megan.Cobb3 suggests this idea on Instagram. Reflect upon your assignments and experiences from the 2021-2022 school year. Which projects are you proud of and most excited to share? Add them to your digital portfolio.
Resources
Course - Digital Portfolios from scratch to interview ready
Time to Brush the Dust Off that Digital Portfolio!
5 Things Most Teacher Candidates Do Wrong When Setting Up Their Digital Portfolio