What All-Star Educators Do During the Summer

Now that we’re at the end of the school year, no one would blame you for daydreaming about the nearest beach, lake, or golf course. You’ve earned it. However, you’re also a dedicated educator that understands the job doesn’t end in June. As football players say, the offseason really isn’t off.

Here are some ideas of what those all-star teachers in your school do during break:

What All-Star Educators Do During the SummerRead. A lot.

For the most part, you don’t get to choose what you read during the school year. It’s papers and reports rather than books that you’re actually interested in. This summer, read anything you want!

Catch up on the bestsellers or read some trendy young adult fiction that your students will be talking about next year. In the worst case, read some professional development books to learn some new tricks. Reading can be done anywhere, from the beach to the airplane—which brings us to the next topic.

Travel!

Some countries actually pay teachers to take a yearlong sabbatical and travel the world! As you know, the United States isn’t one of those countries. However, summer is the opportunity to explore. Wherever you go, make it a point to bring your experiences back to next year’s students. Many kids, especially in disadvantaged schools, have never left their hometown. This is an opportunity to show them what’s outside the city limits.

Attend a conference

We wrote a few weeks ago about some of the best education conferences happening this summer. For more ideas, consult this list of conferences published by Kennesaw State.

Just like our counterparts in the private sector, it’s important to network and expand your knowledge. You might worry about the price tag, but try to find some grant funding or unused school funds to make the ends meet. Take lots of note, grab all of the free stuff you can from the exhibit halls, and be ready to expand your educational toolbox.

Stay sharp with a part-time job

Perhaps you want some new toys for yourself, or need some extra money to travel later in the summer. Sadly, teachers aren’t paid nearly what they’re worth and have to work over the summer. At least make your side job professionally advantageous.

The first stop for educators tends to be tutoring. Next, look around some job boards and freelance work websites like Elance to catch some work writing lessons plans and scripts for curriculum providers and software companies. These can pay very well and you don’t have to leave your house. Finally, try your local children’s museum or gallery. They always need help. Even if it’s only a volunteer gig, it will keep your brain engaged until August.

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