Final Countdown 2...

 Another week in June has passed my friends!  The final countdown continues. I feel like it's going by quickly,  yet slowly at the same time. This is week two of three where we start to close out our inSpiration Sundays and prepare for summer. 

Last week we spent time "packing up" some needed items to bring home with us in our backpacks. We first packed up reflection. In our reflections, there are probably many people we think about, from our students to other educators we've met along the way during our teaching journey. It's the relationships we build that are truly unforgettable. 

This week, let's pack relationships into our summer bags. Think about the people whom you connected with this year. Perhaps it's a new teacher you helped get settled into his/her first year of teaching. Perhaps you were new to your grade level or department team, or you worked more closely with another educator this year than the year before. These relationships are powerful. They extend beyond the walls of our classrooms and schools too. Teachers benefit from being with others who have the same passions and interests, and share their time, resources and talents. 

Let's think of ways to continue these relationships through the summer. The best thing about technology is we now have the power to be present with one another even from a distance. Why not meet for virtual brunch to share memories and funny stories this summer with colleagues, or other teacher friends you have that work in other schools? One of my favorite ways is to do a book study/club.  This is a great way to keep up with teacher friends, have informal PD, and enjoy each other's company! Podcasts are also great ways to learn and challenge your thinking, and make great conversation starters when you meet your colleagues for a beach day or catch-up call. It also keeps the mind fresh and exploring new ideas. Others may ask "why do work over the summer?" but in reality if you enjoy it, it's not work. The real work comes from the effort put into the relationships you've had or are establishing with others. Those who feel the same understand! It's important to keep fostering these relationships since over the summer it's easy to forget and trail off into other projects or things. We all know about the summer slide for students, but I also feel this is true for teachers as well. The best way to keep from having the "teacher summer slide" is communication. Want to know the best part? You don't even have to talk about the classroom! What are other things you share in common that you enjoy? 

Building these relationships with one another are great models for our students. It's important for them to see how teachers work together and share their passions. It's also vital for educators to not feel isolated. Cultivating relationships is, and should be a priority for ourselves and one another. Using time over summer to continue these is time well spent. Relationships is one of the top things we carry in our bag with us this summer!

Final Thoughts: Keep your reflections and relationships with you in your bag this summer. Keep spending time with other educators who enjoy teaching and the same things you do. Keep taking the time for yourself and whatever you need to build better relationships. Finally, remember that those you meet, know, and love being around are more people to have in your corner!