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Hey Reader,

We are in the thick of summer vacation. ⛱️

I remember counting down the days to the end of the year, wondering if we would ever get there. The demands from the central office plus the behaviors of students made the end of my school year seem like a mirage that would never arrive. As hard as it is to hear, I see with love summer will inevitably come to an end. It's crucial to take this time to rejuvenate and prepare for the upcoming school year. While it's tempting to keep ourselves immersed in the role of an educator, let's remember the importance of genuinely unplugging and recharging. 🧘🏾‍♀️

Your summer is not complete without three key elements: Relax, Reflect, and Renew.

Relax:

One of my less-known joys is watching animal documentaries. They've fascinated me since I was a child. Consider the cheetah's incredible speed, enabling it to chase down prey with unparalleled agility. However, even the cheetah knows that running at top speed continuously is unsustainable. 🐆

When a cheetah runs for extended periods without taking breaks, it risks burnout. Biologically, prolonged exertion can lead to increased levels of stress hormones, elevated heart rate, and depletion of energy reserves. This leaves the cheetah vulnerable to opportunistic enemies lurking in the shadows. Between lesson plans, required training, student needs and behaviors, unavailable administration (and on...and on I could go 💬), you have been running at near-top speed. Now, when you are supposed to be unplugged, you check your email and obsess over details unknown. It may not be leopards and hyenas that will come for you, but maybe it's impatience or bitterness.

Relaxation is essential for your well-being and growth as an educator. Sometimes the problems we face become overwhelming not because they've grown heavier but because we've been carrying them for so long and are fatigued. However, true relaxation means detaching yourself from the educator role and embracing other aspects of your life. Give yourself permission to unwind, engage in hobbies, spend time with loved ones, and cultivate a healthy work-life balance. Remember, you are not defined solely by your profession; your identity extends far beyond it.

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Reflect:

The summer provides an ideal opportunity for deep reflection on your teaching practice. Take a moment to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses, and resist the temptation to rest on your laurels. If you've seen the movie Inside Out, you'll remember Riley's control room with all of her emotions.

Just as Riley needed to be aware of and understand her emotions, educators must cultivate emotional intelligence. Reflecting on their own emotions and reactions in the classroom helps educators recognize the impact their emotional state can have on their teaching. This heightened self-awareness enables educators to recognize how their emotional state impacts their teaching, preventing unchecked frustration or disengagement that could harm students. Additionally, self-reflection fosters empathy and connection with students as educators gain insights into their needs, challenges, and perspectives. It allows educators to adapt and grow by identifying areas for improvement, adjusting instructional strategies, and staying attuned to evolving student needs. Self-reflection empowers educators to confront personal biases and stereotypes, enabling them to create inclusive and equitable learning environments that prevent unintentional marginalization of students. Ultimately, this inner work of self-reflection empowers educators to continually learn, innovate, and provide the best education possible for their students.

Reflect on those challenging moments when stress and fatigue took hold, and ask yourself if you responded in a way aligned with your aspirational goals. Acknowledge areas where improvement is needed and set intentions to address them. Break free from the cycle of repeating the same strategies year after year; challenge yourself to innovate and grow. Remember, reflection is the key to continuous improvement and delivering the best possible education to your students.

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Renew:

Working in the field of education comes with its fair share of challenges, but amidst those challenges lies the opportunity for renewal. Innovation is sorely lacking. Being the SAME educator, whose been in the district for 20+ years isn't the flex you think it is. How have you grown? What have you had to unlearn in your journey? Who have you had to apologize to?

Identify 2-3 areas where you can significantly impact your piece of the puzzle. It could be improving classroom engagement, fostering a stronger sense of community, or implementing new instructional methods. Renew your commitment to being the best version of yourself as an educator. Embrace the notion that every student deserves your unwavering dedication and support. By renewing your commitment, you become an agent of change and contribute to a brighter future for your students.

Regrettably, it's easier for us as educators to point away from ourselves when things don't go the way we hoped. Yet we have no problem accepting credit when our students grow.

Remember, the summer break is not just a pause between academic years—it's a time for personal and professional growth. By prioritizing relaxation, reflection, and renewal, you can return to the classroom with a renewed sense of purpose and a fresh perspective.

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Wishing you a restful and rejuvenating summer. 😎

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