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Seven things future teachers can do this summer to shine bright

Updated: Jun 9, 2022





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:

  1. EduMagic Shine On a Guide for New Teachers

  2. EduMagic A guide for Preservice Teachers

  3. Peter Liljedahl

  4. 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

  • Three steps to digital portfolio success featuring Amanda Jeane Reichert

  • Digital portfolios – the place for all of your eduawesomeness

Update your resume.

Whether a first- or fourth-year student, you always need a resume in your back pocket. If you are getting started on your resume, you can think about your resume as buckets. Jot down experiences that fit into the following buckets:

  • Teaching experience

  • Related work experience

  • Volunteer experience

  • Honors/Awards

Resources

  • Education Professor Melissa Conte writes Resumes and Cover Letters for teachers and prepares candidates for all aspects of the interview and hiring process.

  • Google is the new teaching resume.

  • 12 Ways to Improve Your Teaching Resume

  • How to stand out from the stack of resumes


Get connected on social media.

Rebecca Gibboney shares, "Get connected on Twitter! Seek opportunities outside your comfort zone". Getting connected on social media is outside your comfort zone for some of you. So, start by learning and looking at what others post. Get ideas, share ideas when you are ready, and contribute to the conversation on social media. As a connected educator, you will learn so much.


Resources

  • Three lies preservice teachers believe about Twitter

  • How to slay your first Twitter chat

  • Twitter for Future Teachers Featuring 𝙳𝚛. 𝙹𝚘𝚊𝚗𝚗𝚊 𝚉𝚒𝚖𝚖𝚎𝚛𝚕𝚎

  • Spilling the tea on Twitter for Teachers Featuring Stephan Hughes

  • Instagram, your new teacher's best friend!

  • #TeacherLife - Finding a PLN on Instagram


Hang out around kids.

Many educators shared this idea in my PLN. CW Consulting: Ed Services (Charles Williams) offers a bridge program for students and teachers. They can acclimate to one another, peers, and the building before school starts. I'd recommend checking to see if the school has anything like that. If not, pop into any local back-to-school events and start connecting."


Melissa Krenzer adds, "Spend time with kids! Learn to take care of yourself now. Find your marigold. Watch webinars on best practices for ELA, Math & tech."


Dr. Rebecca Maddas shares, "Gain experience working with young children or adolescents. Use the knowledge and skills you have learned in your coursework thus far. Some ideas:

  • summer camp

  • tutoring

  • vacation Bible school

  • youth groups

  • YMCA programs

  • Preschools

  • Nanny/babysit

Future teachers, there are so many opportunities to learn this summer. Take care of yourself, and continue to grow as an educator of excellence.

 
 
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