What are you doing this summer?

What are you doing this summer?  As educators we often times get asked this question towards the end of the school year or once the last day of school has arrived.  My own parents for the longest time would ask me this question and it would really bother me.   I believe it bothered me because I thought people were operating with the assumption that we sat by the pool or at the park all day.  I do not even think all people are trying to be spiteful or even have poor thoughts about that choice.  I think some people do recognize that it is a grind and that there should be a period of rest and re-charging and this is good.  Do not get me wrong you have to do some of this.  However, I think it is our job to make sure we tell the story of all the other things we do to get better as well.  I do try to keep some more regular hours during the summer and take advantage of not working the long days of the school year, but there are a lot of opportunities that summer provides to me professionally as well. 

So what are educators doing during the summer? You name it!  Many of us spend time working to further our knowledge by taking classes, reading books/educational journals, attending conferences, ramping up our presence on social media to learn from others, or by networking with our PLN face to face. We also spend time preparing for the upcoming school year by improving lessons, rethinking past practices, working a second job, and evening visiting some of our students and families.  Then there are some of us that coach because in Iowa we still have summer baseball and softball. J I was one of the lucky few to spend some of my summers on the diamond. We have great opportunities to learn from each other.  Even though I was sad this past week to be a #NotatISTE instead of a #ISTE13 Tweeter I still had a great time following the events and learning along with everyone.    

I believe that we have to model to our community what true lifelong learning looks like.  I try to learn a lot every day during the school year, but I do invest a lot in my own learning over the summer.  We do not stop learning once we leave K-12 education.  Conversely this should just be the foundation for us to get started.  If we are truly in the education business we have to make time for our own learning.  Time is always a challenge, but it cannot be an excuse.  Two weeks ago in Dubuque, IA I heard Eric Sheninger (@NMHS_Principal) say, "I don't find time to learn and get better, I make time to learn and get better." So the next time you get asked, what are you doing this summer; do not be afraid to share some of your learning with whoever is asking. 

I have blogged for the past year and a half, but those blogs were dedicated to our movement to a 1:1 environment in Bettendorf.  I am now in Iowa City as Principal of South East Junior High and am still very passionate about technology and social media, but I am even more passionate about leadership and effective teaching and learning.  Therefore, I have started a new blog and hope you will enjoy it.  The premise is that if you are not getting better you are falling behind and that we should always strive to be great! Hope you enjoyed the read.  Comment if you so desire! 

Be Great!