Whew! What a year it has been! I feel like the 2024-25 school year has flown by at lightning speed. I have had some exciting performances at my school, and my students have grown and learned so much. The AMEA schedule has been full of many wonderful opportunities for our students and teachers. The elementary music festival in the fall with Dr. Erika Knapp and Dr. Morgan Luttig was an enormous success with students learning new music and performing with confidence. At the fall workshop, Dr. Knapp demonstrated to our teachers how to spiral music curriculum content and integrate concepts across grade levels. Our conference at the BJCC in January was one of the biggest and best attended in the history of AMEA. I am still unpacking the lessons and activities from the conference I want to share with my students. I tell you what; I need a break! Are you not relieved to know summer break is around the corner? How will you unwind and recharge over the summer? Remember, it is important for us teachers to prioritize our own well-being during summer break.
Give yourself permission to set some boundaries and prioritize relaxation. Try to limit technology, particularly when it is work-related. Resist the urge to immediately check each email notification and continually update lesson plans. Relax and make time to delight in those activities you enjoy the most. Spend some time outdoors, read an entertaining book, take a nap, or learn a new hobby.
Spend some time with family and friends through social activities or travel. Try to reconnect and nurture those relationships with the people who mean the most, the ones who will still be around after you retire.
I do not know about you, but summer is my time to check in with my doctors. Don’t forget to prioritize your health. Exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet. Take care of your body so you can be strong and healthy for the new year when it comes.
Do something on your bucket list. It could be something to expand your horizons musically. Maybe learn a new instrument or join a different ensemble. Often summer is the only time we have to really focus on our own musical goals. I like to learn new repertoire during summer break when I have more time to practice.
Don’t forget to reflect on the past school year. Identify your areas for growth. How can you improve your classroom environment? How can you become more aware of the needs of your students? Then, begin making plans for the new year. Look at the school calendar and make a fall to-do list. Listen to new repertoire that you can use for a student performance. Find some new music your students will enjoy listening to and learning about.
The new year will be here before you know it. Don’t forget about yourself. Prioritize your well-being. You need downtime. Unplug, disconnect, and recharge so you can be your best self for the next school year.