Tips for Teachers: Activities and Professional Development in the Summer

You've worked hard for your teacher pay and time off. Now with the end of the school year almost in sight, the summer vacation has something in store for every teacher whether it be long walks on the beach, spending more time with your family, or starting your summer reading. Teachers' minds and bodies need this rest in order to know how to prepare for the school year ahead. This article will give you restful tips for maximizing your work time off and a few tips for ensuring professional development for teachers.

Stay in Good Physical Shape

Keep fit and get rid of some of that school year flab. Your students will need you in top shape too. Sign up for an exercise class and try to aim for a good workout at least three times a week. Walking is also a great way to exercise.

Meditate

Find a comfortable relaxing spot at home where you can enjoy absolute silence for at least five minutes a day. Habitual meditation will help you feel better about yourself and ultimately you will teach better.

Learn something new

Sign up for a pottery class, a gardening or fiction writing workshop. After all, the summer vacation is meant for learning new and different activities that you don't ordinarily have time for during the busy school year.

Change the Routine

Follow your body's rhythms. Slow the pace. You may have been suffering from sleep deprivation. Change your sleeping cycle a bit. Wake up late. Nap as often as needed in the afternoon. Don't feel guilty that you should work instead of napping. You need to give back to your body all that you have given out.

Spend time with people who aren't teachers.

Dr. Robert D. Ramsey says, "If teachers talk only to other teachers, they begin to think that school and schooling are all that matter. They aren't. Kids know that. you should too" [501 Tips for Teachers, Dr. Robert D. Ramsey, ED.D. 192].

Indulge in a Foot Massage and Foot Bath

Take care of your feet. you've been on your feet all year round. Give your feet a little pampering.

Reread your Childhood Loves

This could include your childhood diary, your all time favorite books you loved as a child. "[Your] [childhood] [diary] will remind you that relationships are sometimes more important than academics. That's why students aren't always as excited as you are about conjugating a verb or solving a math equation." [Ramsey, 192]

Spend Quality Time with your Loved Ones and Friends

Get lost in a moment. Go on a long walk or throw pebbles in the sand. It will be self-revealing reminding you of the importance of instill a balance by enjoying the simple things in life.

Tips for Ensuring professional Development

As Dr. Robert D. Ramsey states in 501 Tips for Teachers, "To teach, stay teachable! A good teacher never knows enough." Here are a few tips.

1. Participate in an in-service course. Check your local teacher office or regional council for further information.

2. Read or reread curriculum, materials, methods that are suitable for where you are in terms of your own professional development as a teacher.

3. Join a support group for teachers.

4. Take an intensive summer course in preparation for becoming a certified teacher.

In short, do anything you can to slow the pace. You need it for yourself and for the long haul ahead.

**This article was previously published on suite101.com**