What Teachers Do in Summer Break

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.

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Dr Jake Madden

I’m Jake Madden (Dip Teach; B.Ed; Grad Dip: Leadership; M. Ed: Leadership; EdD; FACEL; MACE), and I’ve had the privilege of working in education for over thirty years as a teacher and principal. Throughout my career, I’ve focused on supporting teachers to build their capacity, developing learning approaches that respond to the needs of today’s world, creating flexible learning spaces for 21st-century learners, and designing curriculum that encourages global mindedness. I’m particularly passionate about the concept of teacher-as-researcher, and I’ve been fortunate to contribute to this area by sharing my experiences through books and journal articles. My work reflects what I’ve learned from leading and navigating educational change, and I’m always eager to continue learning from others in the field.

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Author: Dr Jake Madden

I’m Jake Madden (Dip Teach; B.Ed; Grad Dip: Leadership; M. Ed: Leadership; EdD; FACEL; MACE), and I’ve had the privilege of working in education for over thirty years as a teacher and principal. Throughout my career, I’ve focused on supporting teachers to build their capacity, developing learning approaches that respond to the needs of today’s world, creating flexible learning spaces for 21st-century learners, and designing curriculum that encourages global mindedness. I’m particularly passionate about the concept of teacher-as-researcher, and I’ve been fortunate to contribute to this area by sharing my experiences through books and journal articles. My work reflects what I’ve learned from leading and navigating educational change, and I’m always eager to continue learning from others in the field. View all posts by Dr Jake Madden