A Summer Bucket List for Teachers

Seven Ideas for “Self-Care” for Teachers

By NAfME Member Richard Grennor

This article originally appeared on “Dr. Grennor’s Music Academy” blog.

Teaching can be one of the most rewarding jobs. Teaching can also be emotionally, mentally, and physically consuming. It is important for teachers to plan to enjoy their summer break by spending a few weeks devoted to activities outside of teaching. As a result, you will feel much better when you come back to work! What follows are some suggestions for a summer bucket list for teachers.

1. Keep Your Mind Off Work

Avoid the temptation to begin the summer planning for the next year too soon—whether it is a week, a month, or a few hours a day. View the summer as an opportunity to devote time to doing some of your favorite things. Have fun and don’t let the summer slip away without doing something for yourself. Try to devote a few hours each day during the summer to being GOOD to YOU!

2. Plan Care-Free Days

A few days a week relaxing at the pool, the beach or even a little picnic in the park can help you to become revitalized and refreshed.

3. Reconnect with Friends and/or Family

Traveling to visit old friends and/or family sometimes can be difficult during the school year. Plan a trip to visit friends or relatives who don’t live in the immediate area. Find out and commemorate what your friends and family have been up to. Spend quality time with your loved ones.

bucket list — iStockphoto.com | mihailomilovanovic

4. Start a New Hobby or Revisit an Old One

Do you find yourself missing an old activity or yearning to try something new? The summer can be an excellent time to get a jump start on exploring a new activity or to return to an old hobby—all of which may become a regular part of your daily life when you return to the classroom in the fall.

5. Read a Book

Find a cozy place and read a book that’s not school-related. Experiment and try reading a book from a new genre.

6. Go to a Store and Buy Nothing for Your Classroom!!!!

Are you up to this CHALLENGE? Can you visit your local retail store and buy NOTHING for your classroom?

7. Invest in Your Professional Life

Try a new subject you have always been curious about. Think of summer as a time to explore professional development on your terms. Attend a one-day workshop: get inspired and network with other educators.

About the author:

Richard Grennor, Ed.D. has been teaching instrumental music in New Jersey to students of all ages and grade levels for 16 years. He holds a B.A. degree in Music Education from Kean University, and a M.A. in Educational Leadership from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Richard earned his Ed.D. degree from Nova Southeastern Universities -National Program for Educational Leaders.

Dr. Grennor has presented professional development workshops for the New Jersey Music Educators Association Summer Conference IX and research for the 55th Annual National Association for Music Education In-Service Conference. He is a certified by the National Judges Association as an Individual Music Analysis Judge and regularly adjudicates high school music competitions. Dr. Grennor served as the woodwind specialist judge for the 2017 Tournament of Bands Atlantic Coast Championships held at Hershey Park Stadium, PA.