by Diana Remick, Monthly Columnist
The end of a school year is chaos with awards ceremonies, programs, assessments, and grade cards. There is so much that a teacher must complete in order to “check-out” of school for the summer months. I wonder if teachers actually fully “check-out” of school. If you are reading this during the summer months then I am thinking you are one of those teachers that are still “checked in” and are still working on improving your craft.
These Summer Months
As educators we really never take the summer off. We are busy reading literature, taking college courses, attending workshops and trainings, teaching summer school, tutoring, creating and preparing for a new school year.
The summer allows us the time to improve ourselves as educators. It allows us time to reflect on what went well and what we need to change from the previous school year. Throughout the school year, I record thoughts, feelings, and ideas in my journal. During the summer months I reflect on my notes and prioritize my goals. The goals vary in size and the amount of time needed to complete them. I try to complete the goals that need only a short amount of time first and then work on goals that require a great deal of time. One goal on my short term list is to read an article on a specific topic. Other goals include creating lesson plans for a specific standard, reading literature that support the changes I am making in my math workshop, and organizing my classroom library. By having goals, I can focus on one or two items at a time without feeling overwhelmed.
Teachers tend to spend the summer time attending classes, workshops, and trainings. Keeping up on the newest information is important to our profession. I have a great deal of admiration for the people in our profession because we are life-long learners!
In our profession we are always taking care of others. We prepare students to become productive citizens. We are continuously physically, emotionally, and mentally drained by the demands of our job. It is extremely important that we take care of ourselves. We must remember that summer time is a time to rejuvenate and enjoy ourselves. For me personally, I love the outdoors of grilling, swimming, relaxing, and laughing with my family and friends. Whether your craft, travel, or read; it is important that you allow yourself to enjoy the small perk of the profession with some time off of teaching.
The new school year will be here before you know it! Even though you are working on improving yourself as an educator, remember to get enough rest so that you are prepared for another school year and the demands that come with this profession.
About the Author
Diana Remick is a 2nd grade teacher at La Junta Primary School and has been teaching for 19 years. She received both her BA and her MA from Adams State University in Alamosa, Colorado. Mrs. Remick has enjoyed being a columnist for Really Good Stuff for the past year.