There’s a meme floating around somewhere out there that talks about how we as teachers should be all in all the time for school, not doing the “countdown” to summer. I’ve read several posts about how the countdown takes away from the rest of the year or how it’s not professional to do so.

#really

No, I’m not a big countdown kind of person (usually the last week), but really? I’m less of a teacher because I’m excited to be able to spend time with my own kids (really enjoyed that count down when they were younger)? I’m taking away from the school year because I’m enjoying my students and their own excitement about the upcoming summer break? I don’t think so.

Again, it’s about your attitude. I love what I do and I do what I love, but even the best teachers need a  chance to decompress. I know that as May rolls around, I’m tired, having spent an enormous amount of both personal and professional time looking at data, student issues, and keep myself up to date on certain educational issues. I also know that May is a difficult time of the year, one where I really need to be at the top of my game, making sure that my plans are set, that I know how and when we’ll be doing certain things. That professional attitude is something that pushes me forward in May.

So, countdown or no countdown, that end of the school year time is a tough one. If checking off those days to summer break gets you to the end of the school year, I certainly won’t judge.  Just keep that smile, keep yourself as upbeat as possible, and keep the focus on the students.

And enjoy that first sweet day of your summer break! 🙂