GUEST COLUMNIST | Dr. Brandon Enos
The end of the school year is a time for students and their families to celebrate. As the school year winds down, many teachers start thinking about how to make the most of their summer break. Whether they are pursuing professional development, earning additional income, or simply enjoying some leisure time, there are many ways teachers spend their summer months.
Professional development
Summer is a good time for teachers to further develop their skills in the classroom. Attending workshops, conferences or taking online courses are the most common ways teachers sharpen their professional saw each summer. Many educational organizations offer workshops during the summer, providing opportunities to learn new teaching techniques and strategies. Some teachers chose to attend summer conferences which can be a great way for them to network with peers and gain insights into the latest trends in education. Some teachers like to take online courses over the summer.
These teachers work at their own pace and focus on areas that interest them most.
Teach summer school
Summer school is offered each year as an extension of learning for students to get remedial education. Teaching summer school is a great way for teachers to earn extra money and stay engaged with their profession. As a summer schoolteacher, the educator can continue working in a familiar environment and help students overcome educational deficiencies or remediate for the STAAR test. Some teachers work as camp counselors where they teach activities at summer camps.
Many students compete in state and national level competitions or in a summer athletic program; teachers work with these students throughout the summer months.
Part-time job Due to minimal summer school activities, not all teachers who want to work over the summer can work for their school. According to the Pew Research Center, 26% of teachers take on a part-time job during the summer. Among places for these teachers to work, retail positions are the most popular. Retail stores often need extra help during the summer, providing teachers with an opportunity to earn extra income and develop customer service skills.
If retail is not a good fit for the teacher, some parents look for tutors to help their children over the summer. Teachers can use their expertise to offer tutoring services, either privately or through tutoring centers.
Enjoy leisure time
The summer break provides teachers with a chance to recharge and decompress. As a superintendent, I often hear teachers discussing what they want to read, where they want to travel, or what hobby the teacher will spend their summer participating in.
During the school year, teachers often don’t have time to read for pleasure.
Summer is a great time to catch up on books they’ve been wanting to read. If teachers have the means and desire to travel, summer break is the perfect opportunity. Whether it’s a local road trip or an international adventure, travel can be a refreshing change of pace. Summer is a great time for teachers to explore hobbies and interests they might not have time for during the school year. Whether it’s gardening, painting, participating in a sport, or hiking, hobbies can provide much-needed relaxation and fulfillment.
Summer break offers teachers a valuable opportunity to recharge and get ready for the upcoming school year.
Whether they choose to pursue professional development, earn extra income or simply enjoy some leisure time, numerous options are available. By making the most of the summer months, teachers can set themselves and their students up for success in the new school year.
Dr. Brandon Enos is the superintendent at Cushing Independent School District. He is a strong advocate for Texas Public School teachers and students.
