Why a Little Summer Prep Can Go a Long Way for Teachers

Summertime Recharge... and a Small Step Forward

Summer is sacred for educators. After months of giving everything to our students and schools, we all need time to rest, recharge, and reconnect with life outside the classroom. But sometimes, just sometimes, summer also offers the perfect space to make a change that your future teacher-self will thank you for.

Recently, I had the chance to collaborate with some amazing colleagues during our break. We came together to tackle a persistent issue: the growing number of late and missing assignments in our middle school. It wasn’t a simple fix, but the conversation was energizing. Being in a room with educators willing to give up a slice of summer to improve the student experience reminded me that a little prep now can make a big difference later.

You don’t have to do summer work, and you definitely shouldn’t feel guilty if you don’t. But if there’s a nagging issue that keeps popping up during the school year, now might be the best time to start brainstorming solutions.

What small action could your future self appreciate?

Maybe it’s organizing your digital files, refining a unit plan, or creating a new classroom routine. It doesn’t have to be huge—just something that will make things a bit smoother come fall.

Final Thought

Balance is key. Use your summer for what you need most—rest, joy, and maybe just one purposeful step forward. What small improvement could you make this summer to ease your transition into the next school year?