5 ways to regain your passion for teaching

Key points:

Most of a teacher’s time and energy is focused in the classroom. Throughout the year, we’re busy creating lessons, exploring new tools, and fostering curiosity and creativity in our students. So when summer finally arrives and the final bell rings, we teachers often feel lost. Our instinct tells us to start preparing and planning for the upcoming school year. However, doing so ensures that we burn ourselves out in the process.

For educators, summer isn’t just a break between school years; it’s an essential time to rest, recover, and rekindle our passion for teaching. That’s why it’s important that we take intentional steps to make the most of our time and our benefits.

Below are five strategies that can help teachers get started.

Take time to reflect: We all know that reflection is extremely important. As the school year comes to a close, it is worth looking back and considering what worked, what didn’t, and what needs to be carried over to the next semester. A good way to do this is to stay in touch with colleagues during the summer months. Teachers should use this time to exchange ideas and check in with their team members about how they are thinking and feeling. Additionally, a reflection journal can help teachers organize their thoughts and ideas so they can return to them later.

Do a digital detox: Much of life has become dependent on our devices. Companies have spent billions of dollars to ensure that our tablets and cell phones draw as much attention as possible. If teachers are truly looking to cool off during the summer, it's worth taking a break from the incessant demands of the screen. Instead of scrolling through social media for endless hours, teachers should consider spending their time outdoors. Simple things like walking a park trail or fishing in a lake can sharpen the mind and greatly reduce stress. It's time to leave the phone behind and head out into the wild green yonder!

Nourish your whole being: During the school year, it can be difficult to find time for professional development. Instead, summer offers many opportunities for personal and professional growth. Teachers should use the summer to set goals, attend STEM conferences they enjoy, and enrich themselves in whatever ways they need. Of course, these efforts should be balanced with plenty of relaxing activities, such as enjoying a hobby or spending time in community. When teachers are fully nourished, they are better prepared to begin a new year as professional educators and healthy human beings.

Renew your routine: Humans are creatures of habit, and when we establish habits that help us grow, we are more likely to become the people we want to be. Summer is a great time for teachers to change up their routine and make new, healthy lifestyle choices. Teachers should start by establishing a sleep schedule that allows them to start each day feeling refreshed and well-rested. Next, they should try to spend time with other people and strengthen their sense of community. Finally, teachers should give themselves time to be bored so that their brains can relax and reset.

Celebrate your success: Teachers do amazing things every day and they deserve some time to celebrate. The summer season is when teachers should indulge in whatever makes them happy. Whether it's treating themselves to a nice meal, enjoying a movie, or treating themselves to something they've always wanted, taking a day to have fun can do wonders for a person's mental and emotional health. After all, good work deserves a reward!

Teachers absolutely deserve every moment of peace they can afford to experience. We hope that this summer they will give themselves permission to simply be, whatever that means to them. So, let’s welcome each new morning with a sense of optimism, because now is the time to rest, reflect, and reclaim our passion for the classroom!