classroom environments → Dr Jake Madden

What Teachers Do in Summer Break

With the summer break in front of us, many teachers are busily enjoying their holidays relaxing, rejuvenating and even reflecting. Teachers are curious creatures and although they holidaying and spending time with family and friends, they are also thinking about improving their teaching.

Many people think teachers spend their summer break simply relaxing, but what teachers do in summer goes beyond just taking time off. While they do enjoy well-earned rest, they are also reflecting, learning, and preparing for the new academic year.

Here are five things teachers secretly do during their summer break.

1. Silently Celebrating

The rewards of teaching don’t always come instantly, but teachers cherish the small victories. Every “aha” moment a student has, every breakthrough in learning, and every challenge overcome is worth celebrating.

During summer, teachers reflect on these moments, knowing their hard work has made a difference. Even when school is out, their passion for teaching remains.

2. Setting New Goals

Teachers are always looking ahead. Even during their break, they set new goals for the upcoming school year. They reflect on:
✔ What worked well last year?
✔ What can be improved?
✔ How can they better support their students?

This quiet planning helps them return refreshed and ready to implement new strategies.

3. Sharing Stories

Schools are full of memorable moments. Whether it’s a funny comment from a student, a heartwarming interaction, or a classroom challenge, teachers share these stories with colleagues, friends, and family.

These moments remind them why they love teaching and keep their enthusiasm alive.

4. Searching for New Ideas

Even on holiday, teachers are lifelong learners. They spend time:
📌 Browsing Pinterest for classroom décor ideas
📌 Reading educational books and blogs
📌 Exploring new teaching strategies

They know engaging lessons lead to better learning, so they constantly look for ways to make their classrooms more dynamic.

5. Prioritising Self-Care

After a hectic school year, teachers need time to recharge. They use summer to:
🌿 Travel and explore new places
🧘‍♀️ Relax and enjoy hobbies
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Spend time with loved ones

Taking care of themselves helps them return to school re-energised and ready to inspire students.

Teachers Transitioning to a New School

Across the globe there are many teachers preparing to move schools. While there are many reasons teachers change schools (eg looking for a different set of experiences or career move), when you walk through the doors of your new school it can be a daunting process. It is a time that can be filled with excitement about the prospects ahead, yet at the same time it can bring about anxiety and feelings of uncertainty.

Across the globe, many teachers are preparing to make a transition to a new school. Whether you’re pursuing fresh experiences, stepping into leadership, or relocating, change can bring both excitement and uncertainty. Walking through the gates of a new school can be daunting but it’s also a chance to start strong.

As the school year approaches, here are a few key strategies to help you settle in and make the most of this next chapter.

1. Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

Nothing builds confidence like being informed. While you’ll naturally learn more once you’re on site, doing your homework early makes a difference. Before day one, try to:

Research your new school’s values, goals, and structure
Read the staff handbook and policy documents
Understand the communication protocols and leadership team roles

The more prepared you are, the more effective you’ll be from the outset.

2. Begin as You Mean to Finish

First impressions shape how you’re seen. From your tone of voice to your classroom setup, every interaction helps communicate who you are as a professional.

Ask yourself:

How do I want colleagues and students to experience me?
What values and expectations do I want to model?

Set your tone early through calm communication, professional presence, and purposeful classroom design.

3. Put Your Best Foot Forward

You were selected for a reason. Bring confidence to your new role, knowing that you belong. Whether you’re in the classroom or leading a team, this is your opportunity to shine.

Let your actions show your commitment, capability, and openness to learning.

4. Build Relationships from Day One

Schools are communities built on relationships. To thrive in your transition to a new school, focus on connecting early and authentically.

Get to know your students by name, interest, and need
Reach out to parents with a warm introduction
Connect with your colleagues—ask questions, listen well, and show gratitude

A strong network starts with small, consistent interactions.

5. Embrace New Beginnings

Maybe last year was challenging. Maybe you’re looking to reset and recharge. A new school is your chance to begin again with new habits, fresh energy, and a clean slate.

Take the time to reflect:

What will I do differently this year?
What mindset do I want to bring?

Let go of the past, and give yourself permission to grow.

Final Thought

Remember you were chosen. Your principal and your new school community believe in your potential. Now it’s your turn to make the most of this opportunity.

A new school isn’t just a new setting—it’s a new story. Write the first chapter with intention.

What will your first week look like? What small actions can help you build connection and clarity from day one?

Seeing Learning Through Students’ Eyes

If we as teachers begin to view the world from behind our learners’ eyes we will be able to build future learning environments. Looking at how our students interact outside the classroom provides an opportunity for us to learn about how we can improve the in class environments. The environments outside the classroom are student centred. Their ‘play’ environment allows quick flexibility for collaboration, working in small groups.

If we want to build meaningful learning environments, we must begin by seeing the world from our students’ point of view. Outside the classroom, learners are already engaging with the world by collaborating, sharing, and solving problems in flexible, student-centred ways. It’s time classrooms caught up.

Rethinking Where Students Learn

The idea that learning only happens at school between 9:00 and 3:00 is outdated. Students learn in cafés, parks, sports fields, libraries, and living rooms. These are social, open spaces that promote collaboration and conversation. Soft furniture, group tables, and comfortable seating encourage students to meet, share ideas, and explore topics in a natural way. These are not passive zones. They’re full of energy, insight, and informal learning.

We need to ask: what can these informal spaces teach us about how to shape better classroom environments?

The Evolving Classroom

The modern classroom must be more than just four walls and rows of desks. Technology now allows students to create, share, and explore beyond the textbook. Teachers are no longer gatekeepers of knowledge. Instead, they are facilitators of learning, stimulating conversation, guiding inquiry, and responding to individual needs.

David Thornburg’s short video on the evolving classroom provides powerful insights into how learning environments are shifting. His message is clear: design matters. It shapes how students engage with learning.

What This Means for Teachers

A flexible learning space mirrors the real world. It supports movement, interaction, and independence. Students today are ready to learn but not always in traditional settings. Our job as educators is to craft spaces that reflect how students actually learn.

We need to design environments that value voice, comfort, and collaboration. When we do this, we create schools that not only reflect our students’ realities but also equip them for the future.