School's Out For The Summer

The familiar refrain "school's out for the summer" made famous by the popular anthem by the same title is no doubt forever associated in the west with the roughly two month break that students and teachers take from the regular rhythm of the school year during the summer months of parts of June, July, and August. Yet, what does this welcomed break really signify? Is the time spent idly as the song implies? Do teachers spend every available moment planning new and inventive ways to inspire, organize, and teach their students? I suspect that the answer lies somewhere in between at that elusive point known as balance.

Personally I very much enjoy the change of pace. Normally I have been engaged in some capacity or other related to summer school teaching, coaching, or working at camps. For a teacher this may not seem all that different from the routine of school, but it is- for me, at least. Routines are different, dress more casual, and even the teaching and learning takes on a different hue. In some ways, because of the more relaxed nature of the interactions, the teaching became more personalized and the learning, deeper. As well, summer offers time for reflection and time to take care of individual needs whether they be physical, social, or spiritual in nature. Without sounding too deep, it allows for time to go for a run, eat more intentionally, and spend time in natural settings.

Similarly, summer offers time for professional balance to take place as well. Time permits course work, professional reading, and personal reflection to take place. For me, there is nothing better than the opportunity to pick up a book that has professional and personal impact, and to read it at a leisurely pace. So far this summer it has been The Power of Habit, by Charles Duhigg. The well-written tract has implications for building positive classroom routines as well as helpful and healthful personal habits. Despite being on holiday I have been rising at 6 a.m. daily and following a routine that has been personally rewarding and quite productive. In essence I have been adhering to the habit loop outlined in the book: cue (gentle awakening alarm), routine (meditation, reading, exercise) and most importantly, reward (healthy food, morning coffee). Next week I embark on a professional development course in which I look forward to deepening my understanding of leadership at independent schools. The challenge will be to keep the routines going as it is a residential program. A gentle ring tone from the cell phone, a shorter morning routine, and a mid-morning coffee break should do the trick. I also look forward to renewing friendships, acquaintances, and international relationships that have developed over the years. Who really believes that "school's out for the summer"?