You made it. The final bell has rung, grades are submitted, and your classroom walls are bare. If you’re like most teachers right now, you’re probably oscillating between pure exhaustion and that familiar nagging feeling that you should be “doing more” to prepare for next year.
Here’s what I hear from teachers every June: “I know I should reflect on this year and plan for next year, but honestly? I just want to collapse.” Sounds familiar? The problem is that most teacher reflection feels like another task on an endless to-do list rather than the rejuvenating, purposeful process it should be.
Why “Winging It” Into Summer Doesn’t Actually Help You Recharge
Many teachers think the best summer plan is no plan—just decompress and hope inspiration strikes in August. But here’s what actually happens: you spend July worrying about September, then panic-prep in the final weeks before school starts. Not exactly restful.
Intentional reflection and planning early in your break actually creates more mental space for genuine rest. When you’ve thoughtfully closed one chapter and sketched out the next, your brain can truly shift into vacation mode.
I’ve found that teachers who spend just 2-3 focused hours on reflection and goal-setting in their first week of summer break report feeling more relaxed and confident throughout their entire break.
The “Three Lens” Reflection Method That Actually Works
Instead of trying to evaluate everything at once (overwhelming!), look at your year through three specific lenses. Grab a notebook and work through these over a few coffee shop visits or quiet mornings:
Lens 1: What Made Me Come Alive This Year? Think beyond test scores. When did you feel most energized as a teacher? Maybe it was during that impromptu science experiment when kids’ eyes lit up, or the writing conference where a struggling student finally found their voice.
Jot down 3-5 specific moments or activities that reminded you why you love teaching. These aren’t necessarily your “most successful” lessons—they’re the ones that felt authentic and joyful.
Lens 2: What Drained My Energy Unnecessarily? This isn’t about unavoidable challenges (difficult behaviors, administrative demands). Focus on the energy drains you might have some control over: staying too late every night, saying yes to every committee, or spending Sunday evenings creating elaborate bulletin boards no one notices.
Consider this reflection prompt: “What did I do this year out of guilt, perfectionism, or habit rather than genuine necessity?”
Lens 3: What Skills Do I Want to Develop --> For Me, Not Just My Students? Professional development often feels like something done to us rather than for us. Instead, think about what genuinely interests you. Maybe you want to get better at having difficult conversations with parents, or you’re curious about incorporating more movement into your lessons.
The key is choosing growth areas that spark your curiosity, not just fill a perceived gap.
Turning Reflection Into Realistic Action (Without Burning Out)
Once you’ve reflected, resist the urge to overhaul everything. Pick one thing from each lens to focus on next year:
- One joy-sparking activity you’ll prioritize or expand
- One energy drain you’ll eliminate or minimize
- One new skill you’ll develop through reading, a course, or collaboration
For example: “I’m going to do more student choice reading (joy), stop making elaborate anchor charts that take hours (energy drain), and learn three new classroom management strategies (skill development).”
Write these three focuses on a sticky note and put it somewhere you’ll see it in August. When you’re tempted to add seventeen new initiatives to your classroom, this note will remind you of your intentional choices.
The Summer Self-Care That Actually Prepares You for September
Real teacher self-care isn’t just bubble baths and beach reads (though those help!). It’s also about creating sustainable systems that will support you during the school year.
Set up your September self now:
• Meal prep some freezer meals for those first exhausting weeks back • Schedule recurring self-care on your calendar (yes, actually schedule it) • Connect with teacher friends for regular check-ins during the year
Your August Self Will Thank You
The most successful teachers I know don’t wing their summers or their school years. They create intentional rhythms of reflection, planning, and rest that sustain them long-term.
Your action step for this week: Block out two hours for the Three Lens reflection. Pour yourself something delicious, find a comfortable spot, and give yourself the gift of thoughtful introspection. Your August self—and your students—will thank you for approaching next year with clarity rather than chaos.
Taking time to reflect and plan isn’t selfish. It’s the foundation of sustainable, joyful teaching.
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