What Is Your Summer Art Teacher Style?
There are many ways to approach summer break. No one approach is better than the other. Each summer is an opportunity to focus on what YOU need. Maybe you use this time to prepare for the next school year. Maybe you use this time to relax and revitalize yourself after the school year. Maybe you use this time to enjoy catching up with friends and family. Let's look at four different categories of summer art teacher. Which category do you fall into?
Type 1: The 24/7 Teacher! Of course I don’t actually mean 24/7, but this teacher does not slow down! This type of teacher uses the summer to prepare for next year by creating schedules, rosters, seating charts, posters, and new lesson plans. This teacher views the summer as an extension of each school year. While they may take some vacations and some time to slow down, the school year never completely comes to an end.
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Type 2: The Picasso! This art teacher takes full advantage of their lightened schedule to focus on their own artwork. Over the school year, it is hard to find time to create personally fulfilling works, but in the summer there is more time to unwind and focus on our own personal craft.
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Type 3: The Worker! As with many teachers, a summer job is often a go to for supplemental income, personal or professional enrichment, or just a way to keep busy. There are a wide variety of jobs that teachers may take over the summer. Maybe you’re working summer school, teaching an art camp, or working at a local restaurant.
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Type 4: The Vacationer! This teacher has set boundaries! If they are not on the clock, they are enjoying their time off. Setting these boundaries can be really hard, not just with your district or administration, but also with yourself. Taking time to rest, spend time with friends and family, and doing something for yourself is critical to avoiding burnout.​
All these types of teachers are valid! It is important that we remember that each teacher is getting what they need out of the summer (hopefully). Some teachers truly enjoy spending time creating lessons for the school year (like myself), while others enjoy not having to think about teaching over their break. Often, we are a little bit of each of these types of teacher. You may find that having a little bit of everything is the right mix for you, but don't forget to set your own boundaries and stick to them! Be confident in your own needs! Take time for yourself and your family. That is what is always most important! Take time to remember your love of the arts and create work for no one other than yourself. If you are the working teacher this summer, try to find moments of relaxation and rejuvenation in your day-to-day life. The school year can be tough on us mentally and physically. The summer is our chance to reset, so reset in whatever way you need to!