#193: Good Teachers Don’t Wait Until Their Classroom Is Completely Set Up to Enjoy Their Summer
About this episode
In this episode, Helena Hains challenges the notion that great teachers must sacrifice their summers for classroom preparation, advocating for a balanced approach to teaching and relaxation.
What if spending your entire summer in your classroom isn't what makes you a great teacher? For years, I believed that the best teachers sacrificed their summers to prepare for back to school. Then everything changed. During my first year in a new district, I didn't spend months setting up my classroom. Instead, I traveled to Cancun, visited a lake cabin in Idaho, and actually enjoyed my summer. I only spent two weeks preparing my classroom—and when school started, I realized something surprising: I wasn't behind. In this episode, we're challenging one of the biggest lies teachers have been told: that working all summer is a badge of honor. We'll redefine what actually makes a great teacher, explore why rest benefits both you and your students, and introduce a different approach to classroom setup—one that helps you work less while creating an incredible classroom. In this episode, we'll discuss: Why working all summer doesn't determine your worth as a teacher What truly makes someone a great educator How rest makes you more patient, creative, and effective Why your students benefit when you enjoy your summer The Poolside Teacher approach to classroom setup You deserve a summer…
More episodes of The Present Teacher Podcast
- #194: Setting Up Your Classroom Intentionally Prevents 90% of Teacher Problems
- #192: You Are NOT The Same Teacher As Last Year
- #191: You Don’t Need More Time in Your Classroom This Summer: You Need a Plan
- #190: How to Tell If a School Will Burn You Out Before You Accept the Job
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