Q: Students struggle to stay engaged with learning over the summer when we break from school, and so do teachers. I’d like some creative ideas for staying engaged with my professional learning over the summer to prepare for next year.
-Signed, An eager educator
A: First, let me affirm your commitment to continued growth, both as a teacher and as a supporter of your students’ learning. It’s no secret that summer can pose challenges regarding engagement, both for students and teachers alike. Many educators find it difficult to maintain their passion and creativity without the structure and routine that a school year provides. Fortunately, there are numerous creative strategies to foster professional learning during the summer months, ensuring you and your students remain engaged and ready for the upcoming school year. However, taking a break to recharge is important, and giving yourself that time is essential to being prepared for the rigors of your classroom once you begin again. Always strive to find a balance between staying engaged and making time for personal recharge.
Embrace Online Learning Communities
One of the best ways to stay connected and engaged over the summer is by joining online professional learning communities. Platforms like BlueSky, Facebook, and LinkedIn host vibrant communities of educators where you can discuss strategies, share resources, and participate in collaborative learning. Consider the following actions:
- Follow education hashtags: Use hashtags like #EdChat, #EduLeaders, or #TeacherTuesday to connect with like-minded educators and engage in meaningful discussions. If you’re an assessment nerd like me, other hashtags to consider are #Ungrading, #Assessment, #T2G, or #TTOG. On BlueSky, you can use #EDUsky and search for chats that occur on that platform. It’s where many people have migrated from X, and it has the feel of early teacher Twitter, if you haven’t been there yet. I used to spend my summers deeply engaged in online chats; this was beneficial for networking, sharing resources, and generating new ideas for the upcoming school year. Plus, hearing other educators work and challenges gave me the courage to try new things in my own space.
- Join Facebook groups or LinkedIn communities: Look for groups that focus on your specific interests or grade level. Participate by asking questions, sharing resources, and discussing trends in education. There are several active groups, such as the Standards-Based Learning Group and Instructional Leadership on Facebook, as well as other professional groups on LinkedIn.
- Attend virtual conferences or webinars: Many educational organizations host summer webinars and virtual conferences. Set aside time to attend and network with other educators, gaining fresh insights that can be implemented in your classroom. If you sign up for platforms like EdWeb, they will email you about upcoming free webinars. Of course, you can also attend local or national conferences if you have the time and budget to do so. It’s as easy as searching for upcoming education conferences to get a complete list.
Read and reflect
Summer is the perfect opportunity to dive into books that inspire, challenge, and expand your professional knowledge. Here are steps to maximize this reading experience:
- Create a professional reading list: Identify books that align with your teaching goals or address areas you wish to improve. Popular titles include Teach Like a Champion by Doug Lemov or Teach Like a Pirate by Dave Burgess
- Join or start a book club: Gather a group of colleagues with similar interests. Schedule regular meetings, whether virtual or in-person, to discuss the insights and applications of your readings. Share summaries of key chapters and plan actionable steps based on your discussions. I’ve hosted book clubs on Voxer or Zoom, depending on the location of the participants. Voxer is particularly good for asynchronous book chats.
- Maintain a reading reflection journal: As you read, take notes on key ideas, personal reflections, and applications for your classroom. This journal will not only enhance retention but also provide a concrete resource to refer to when school resumes. Additionally, you can listen to books when you’re on the go.
Engage in creative projects
Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of spending your summer on professional development, consider creative projects that can invigorate your practice. Here are a couple of ideas:
- Design a new unit or lesson: Reflect on your last school year. What worked well, and what could be improved? Use summer to design a new, innovative unit that incorporates student interests. Utilize platforms like Google Classroom or Padlet to outline your ideas and create digital resources.
- Create a blog or vlog: Share your thoughts, experiences, and insights on teaching through a blog or vlog. Document your journey, showcase your lesson plans, or provide tips for fellow educators. This creative outlet can boost your engagement while allowing others to learn from your experiences. Blogging was my first step to writing a book, and more importantly, it is a space to reflect and share my learning with other educators. If you need to process your learning in writing or video, this is a great option.
Attend local workshops or classes
Research local educational institutions, adult education centers, and community colleges to find summer workshops or classes that address relevant educational topics. Many centers offer valuable courses at low or no cost. Consider the following:
- Explore topic-specific workshops: Whether you’re interested in learning about new technologies, differentiated instruction, or social-emotional learning, find a workshop that aligns with your interests and goals.
- Network with local educators: Use these workshops to connect with educators from other districts, exchange ideas, and form collaborations to address common challenges in your community. Checking out LinkedIn to find networks of folks in your neighborhood can be very productive. I met a person online this year who has become a friend, and I will be working in their mentorship program in the fall. You just don’t know what you can gain from taking a risk and messaging a new person in your area online.
Collaborate with colleagues
Staying connected with your colleagues can sustain your enthusiasm during the summer. Here are ways to foster collaboration:
- Plan summer retreats: Organize informal gatherings with fellow educators to discuss best practices, share ideas, and inspire one another. Create an agenda that addresses objectives while allowing for ample collaborative brainstorming and creativity.
- Create a holiday calendar: Collaborate with colleagues to establish a summer calendar that includes regular check-ins, accountability groups, or sharing sessions. Engage in scheduled activities to keep each other motivated and accountable for pursuing professional growth.
Prepare for student engagement
As you enhance your learning over the summer, it is essential to consider how you can keep students engaged upon their return. Implement the following ideas:
- Design optional Summer Learning Packs: Create enrichment activities or challenges that students can safely do over the summer. Offer optional hands-on projects, reading logs, or science experiments that can pique their interest. Remember, some families appreciate this kind of structure, while others take their children on various educational adventures or send them to camp. This will be a suggestion only; if families want to use it, they are welcome to do so.
- Engage families: Share strategies with families to help keep their kids engaged while promoting a growth mindset. Encourage them to explore local libraries, community events, and educational summer camps. When my son was young, our local library was a perfect place to stay cool and engage in free activities. We would walk there to get some exercise and then spend an hour or two selecting a few books and movies to take home. We would also stretch out the good times once we left.
Summer can be a time for rejuvenation and growth if approached with intention and creativity. By engaging in online communities, expanding your reading horizons, embarking on creative projects, attending local workshops, collaborating with fellow teachers, and keeping student engagement in mind, you can maximize your professional learning and return to the classroom invigorated and inspired.
As you embark on this summer journey, remember to take breaks and enjoy some well-deserved relaxation time, too. Your passion and commitment to continuous learning are vital not only for your own growth but also for the success of your students. Enjoy this exciting summer of professional development!
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Starr Sackstein
Starr Sackstein is the Massachusetts state coordinator for PDK’s Educators Rising program, COO of Mastery Portfolio, an education consultant, instructional coach, and author. She was a high school English and journalism teacher and school district curriculum leader. She is the author of more than 15 educational books, including Hacking Assessment (Times 10, 2015), Making an Impact Outside of the Classroom (Routledge, 2024), and Actionable Assessment (Routledge, 2026).
Visit their website at: https://www.mssackstein.com/
