Many people tend to think that teachers have the summer off. Little do they know that there is truly never really a break from teaching! Yes, it is true that we do not have to go into our schools and educate a classroom full of students each day, but that is not what education is truly all about! A teacher’s “break” is full of many different experiences that lead us to new ideas that we will share with other teachers or bring into our classrooms!
Each summer is loaded with opportunities for educators to expand their knowledge and grow into more effective learners in the classroom. There are many different conferences like the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), the National Principal Conference (NPC), ASCD, NCEA conferences, BbWorld, and others, that all take place during the summer months that educators from around the country attend just to become better educators. They take their “break” and spend it focusing on the needs and best interests of the students. They would rather take their own time to grow in their profession than take time away from students during the school year to grow. Of course there are times when conferences need to be attended during the school year and teachers don’t always look for those because they know that they would rather be in the classroom with their students.
I will be attending an institute from July 16-21 in Washington D.C. that focuses on Anti-Semitism, Prejudice, and the Holocaust. This is a great opportunity for me to expand my knowledge and bring back many ideas and resources that I will share with my colleagues. It is an opportunity for me to grow in empathy, compassion, and understanding of those that I teach and the subject that I teach. This will not be a break for me, but rather me expanding my passion for my profession and my students.
Attending conferences isn’t all that we do. Many teachers find themselves, as I write this on July 10, researching, planning, and already decorating their classrooms for the upcoming school year. I have already been to my classroom 5 times since school ended and I am ready to head back in to begin decorating. Sure it might seem kind of early, and it probably is, but that doesn’t mean I can’t think of my classroom and my students. When I walk through Target, there is no way that I am passing up the Dollar Spot! I need to check and see what wonderful items they have for educators to decorate their classrooms. I have already bought several items that I know students will enjoy!
Don’t get me wrong, teachers do enjoy taking family vacations and relaxing. It’s a natural human instinct. We like spending time with family and friends and taking in leisure activities. We need it as well as anyone who works. It is time that we also learn to develop and grow relationships with those around us that we love and care about. This time also helps us an educator to strengthen our patience and clear our minds so that we may open them to the questions of our students.
On paper educators get a few months off, but for educators there is very little to no time off. We constantly think of ways to best serve our students. We are learning, growing, and sharing knowledge that we are gaining. We are preparing for a new group of students to enter into the classroom. We are eager and ready to educate! We want the best for our students! will see you all back in the classroom! Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Cottos Corner for Education 