That Summer Change-of-Pace
Non-educators think it's a "break," but teachers know the truth
Ah, summer.
As I noted in “The Last Word” in my last edition of this newsletter, non-teachers often have the sense that we have summers “off” or that we’re taking a “break.” I think of it much more as a change-of-pace. Maybe you too, if you’re a teacher?
Bidding farewell to another academic year with all the frenetic energy of the last weeks bring makes me always long for that much-needed change-of-pace. I would even argue that it's essential for those of us who teach: we not only desire the different rhythm that summer brings, we require that different rhythm. The reality is that as passionate teachers who love our work, many of us can find it challenging to step away from the classroom. But to be at our best throughout the school year, a change-of-pace is essential. Summer is, in this way, vital for our well-being and rejuvenation. I want to suggest that teachers should strike a balance between rest, learning, and recreation during our summer break. So here it is: Dr. Dave’s advice for finding a life-giving blend of relaxation, personal growth, and enjoyable activities for your summer.
1. Rest and Recharge
If you are a teacher, I’m sure this is no news to you, but it’s worth remembering: teaching is a demanding profession, both intellectually and emotionally. By allowing ourselves to unwind and recharge, we not only enhance our own well-being but also equip ourselves to be even better educators. Use some of your summer time to indulge in activities that replenish your energy—whether it's reading, enjoying nature, or simply catching up on quality sleep. Remember, taking care of ourselves is not selfish; it's a necessity! Many teachers can find that they put their own needs on the back burner during the school year, so this is the time to prioritize your own rest to recharge your batteries.
2. Lifelong Learning
As teachers, we constantly encourage our students to be lifelong learners, right? It's important to practice what we preach! Use your summer change-of-pace to do just this! Maybe you’ll take on some formal professional development opportunity, which is a great way to use (part of) your summer. But even if you don’t take a course or workshop to expand your content knowledge or refine your teaching strategies, invest some time learning just for the joy of learning. Explore new subjects, delve into a book you've been meaning to read, or learn a new skill completely unrelated to teaching. (Here’s something fun to try that is low-risk and high-fun: build and fly a tetrahedron kite.) By investing in your own growth, you’ll be better equipped to inspire your students when the new school year begins—and you’ll have great new stories to tell your students about your own adventures in learning.
3. Recreation and Fun
Summer break is the perfect time to reconnect with hobbies and passions that often take a backseat during the school year. Engaging in activities we love helps us tap into our creativity, reduce stress, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Whether it's pursuing a sport, making some art, experimenting with cooking a new cuisine, or traveling to new destinations, make time for activities that bring you joy. These experiences will not only revitalize your spirit but also can provide you with fresh perspectives to infuse into your teaching.
Get Out There! (Or, Stay In There, if That is What You Need!)
Friends, I hope and pray that your transition into summer-mode is an excellent change-of-pace for you. Remember, taking time for ourselves doesn't make us any less dedicated or passionate about our profession; it makes us more resilient and effective educators. Teaching is not for the faint of heart, and the demands of our profession don’t seem to be diminishing. So, let's make the most of this opportunity to recharge our batteries, expand our horizons, and indulge in activities that nourish and enrich us physically, cognitively, emotionally, and spiritually.
Here's to a well-rounded and fulfilling summer break!
Dave’s Faves
Here are three things I’m absolutely loving right now that I hope you might love too. (And they happen to pretty neatly map onto my suggestions above of three things to do in your summer change-of-pace: a little learning, a little recreation, and a little relaxation!)
Dave’s Fave #1: The Nationhood Lab
I know I’ve recommended Sharon McMahon’s Instagram (@sharonsaysso) before, and I think I’ve plugged here podcast (Here’s Where It Gets Interesting) before as well. On a recent episode of the podcast, Sharon interviewed Colin Woodard, who runs the Nationhood Lab. You may have heard of his work about the “Eleven American Nations” that make up the United States today—and how this helps explain so much of the current situation in American culture and politics.
I’ve been really enjoying exploring the Nationhood Lab’s website lately, and I hope you will check it out too. If you enjoy history, or geography, or just learning new things, I think you’ll really appreciate it! Here’s a great post to get started, that introduces the 11 American Nations: A Balkanized Federation.
Dave’s Fave #2: Cycling on gravel roads
You might not know this, about me, but I am a pretty avid cyclist. My goal is to pedal at least 2000 miles (~3200 km) every year. It’s a bold enough goal to spur me to get out there and pedal, but it’s also within reach; I’ve met the goal 6 out of the past 8 years. My previous hybrid-style bike was great on paved roads, but less great on gravel roads—and let’s be real, I live in a rural corner of Iowa, and there are plenty of gravel roads around here! So when I bought my current bike a couple of years ago, I decided to upgrade to a better bike that I could take on gravel.
Overall, feel a lot safer pedaling on gravel roads than on paved roads once I get out of town. On a 20-miler, I might see one or two vehicles the whole time when I’m out on gravel, which is a lot better than having grain trucks blowing past me at 60 mph while I’m trying to not get flung into the ditch.
Here’s a video from a recent ride. For those who think Iowa can’t be beautiful…well, I hope this might offer some evidence to the contrary. Get out there and pedal, friends!
Dave’s Fave #3: Stranger by Balmorhea
If you’ve been reading this newsletter for long, you’ll know that I have eclectic taste in music. With this edition, I’m going to stop including the “5 songs to listen to this week” section, but I suspect I’ll probably almost always include a song, a band, or an album in the “Dave’s Faves” section—because music is always a fave.
My recommendation for you this week is the album Stranger by a band you’ve almost certainly never heard of, Balmorhea. (Say “BALM-uh-ray.”) I first encountered this wonderfully weird musical duo on Spotify’s “Deep Focus” playlist, which helped me get through hours and hours of reading and writing in grad school. I find I need a soundtrack when I’m doing academic work, but I need music without lyrics, else I get distracted. Balmorhea is perfect for this: it’s sort of ambient rock with no lyrics—think of it as a rock band with a string section and a marimba that plays music that gets you focused, not distracted. (Or, “the soundtrack to Dr. Dave’s dissertation,” which it was.) It’s also great music to just have on in the background if you are trying to rest and relax!
My favorite track on this album is “Masollan,” closely followed by “Jubi.” Give them a listen, and I’d love to hear what you think, so leave a comment in response.
The Last Word!
I’m thinking all the summer-ish thoughts today as I write—and feeling like I need to be outside! If you are still teaching at this point, grace and peace to you as you continue on. If you are already a few weeks into summer mode, soak up the change of pace!
I would love to say something poetic here, but I’ll lean on the words of The Bard in sonnet 18 (“Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer’s Day?”)
Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?
Thou art more lovely and more temperate.
Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May,
And summer's lease hath all too short a date.
~William Shakespeare
Here today, and gone tomorrow? Perhaps! So let’s make the most of the change of pace to rest, recoup, recreate, and rejuvenate! Blessings to you as you transition into the summer season, fleeting as it may feel.