As the school year winds down, it’s time to think and plan for the summer. Some of these plans may include rest and relaxation, and some consist of professional growth opportunities. All of this leads to revitalization! Here are some examples of summer activities that lead to renewal and growth.
Spending Time with Family
What started out as a way to complete school summer reading lists, led a family to discuss not only books but ultimately, life. Read more about the mother’s reflection in this article from Language Arts.
Recharging with New Experiences
A teacher decides to try new things one summer, including making his debut in local community theater, as highlighted in this article from English Journal.
Participating in Conversations — Face-to-Face
The summer is a great time to attend professional development experiences like National Writing Summer Institutes as described in English Education, seminars and institutes sponsored by the National Endowment for the Humanities from English Journal, or both detailed in English Journal!
Participating in Professional Development Abroad
A teacher attended Fulbright-Hays seminars in Poland, Hungary, Peru, and Ecuador and notes in this article from Teaching English in the Two-Year College how she and her colleagues use Fulbright information in their classrooms.
Participating in Professional Development Online
We’re inviting all current NCTE members to participate in a month-long discussion via a private Facebook group where they’ll have the chance to discuss ideas from the book, ask questions of the authors, and create new resources together as part of NCTE Reads.
Participating in Professional Development Face-to-Face
Join veteran teachers Leila Christenbury and Ken Lindblom for a summer institute that will advance your practice and transform your classroom!
Participating in Conversations — Online
It’s not always possible to attend PD in person, but there are now so many opportunities for professional conversations online. Learn more about “Online Communities: Linking Teacher to Teacher” in Voices from the Middle, then join the online conversations with NCTE!
Teaching Summer School
When the traditional school year is over, there are opportunities for students and teachers to head to summer school. Here are examples from English Journal of a teacher helping high school students with reading and another teaching in a summer academy.
Reading
Summer is a great time for reading — reading for pleasure, completing summer reading lists, reading to learn. This article from English Journal describes how one person facilitated a summer reading program.