As another school year comes to a close, many of us land in a familiar place: somewhere between proud, exhausted, and already thinking, “Next year, I’m going to…”
It’s tempting to believe August will magically reset everything. New classes, new energy, a fresh start. And while there’s some truth to that, the reality is a little quieter.
The teacher you are in August doesn’t just show up on the first day of school.
It starts now.
Think back on this year. You don’t have to pick it apart but be honest about it in a general sense. What actually worked? What felt harder than it needed to be? What caught you off guard in a good way? Take out a sticky note and write down one moment that made you think, “Okay, this is why I do this,” and put it somewhere for your future self to find.
It also shows what you choose to carry with you and what you decide to leave behind. Not everything needs a rewrite. Not every rough spot needs a full fix before August. Most of the time, the biggest growth comes from small, thoughtful adjustments to what you’re already doing. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it!
And then there’s summer.
For most of us, it’s rest (I hope). For others, it may be catching up. For many, it’s a mix of professional development, reorganizing, and that voice in the back of your mind listing all the things you could be doing to be more prepared next year.
That voice isn’t wrong, but it doesn’t get to be in charge.
Instead of trying to do everything, it might help to do just a few things on purpose.
A few small ways to prepare for next year (without burning out):
- REST! Truly take time for yourself and don’t turn it into something you feel guilty about!
- Take a little time to reflect: what to keep, what to tweak, what to let go
- Pick one or two areas to focus on instead of overhauling everything.
- Fix one system that drove you crazy this year.
- Choose some professional learning that supports your goals.
None of these are big, dramatic changes, but they add up. Set a timer for 20-30 minutes for the “work” items so they don’t take up a whole day. Then stop and put everything away.
As we close out another school year and look ahead to summer, I hope you’ll stay connected to the incredible community of elementary music educators across Alabama. Summer can be a great time to learn something new, swap ideas, or just be reminded that you’re not doing this work alone. You are always free to reach out to me, your board members, and your district chairs if you need anything.
Below are two outstanding summer professional development opportunities. I hope you’ll jump in!
However you spend your summer, I hope it gives you what you need to come back steady, refreshed, and ready to begin again.
August will be here before we know it, but we don’t have to be in a hurry to meet it.
Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities
Orff Levels I & II
- Samford University, Sunday, June 14 – Friday, June 26 (no class June 19)
- Register here: https://www2.samford.edu/eve/index.php?filter=Orff
- *Jr. & Sr. undergraduates, grad students, and 1st-year teachers get a 40% discount on registration.
- Contact Dr. Morgan Soja for more info: msoja@samford.edu
Kodály Levels I, II, III, & Masterclass
- University of Montevallo, Monday, July 6 – Friday, July 17
- Register here: montevallo.edu/kodaly
- *Elementary & secondary tracks available. On-campus housing is available, and full-time students get a discount on registration.
- Contact Dr. Becky Halliday for more info: ahalliday@montevallo.edu