4 Things Teachers Should Do Before the End of the School Year

The end of the school year is hectic. Assemblies, field trips, awards ceremonies, and celebrations seem to fill up the calendar during that last month. Your “To-Do” list is a mile long filled with tasks that need to be completed before the end of the year. Why not add just a few more important items? Don’t forget to accomplish these things before the end of the school year.

Plan Ahead for Professional Development

Many teachers are so busy during the school year that professional development is not a priority. Summer is a more convenient time to squeeze in those professional development hours. Check out the graduate level continuing education courses given by your local university. Online coursework is a great option if you’re planning to work over the summer break. Enroll in coursework that will benefit you. Some school districts may even have a tuition reimbursement program.

Clean Out and Organize Your Desk and Classroom

Nothing feels better than leaving for summer vacation, except when you leave for summer vacation with a clean and organized classroom. Purge what you don’t use. I use the one year rule: if I haven’t used it in a year, it goes. If the items you are purging are in good shape, offer them to colleagues so they don’t end up in the trash. Organize what you want to keep. Take ten minutes at the end of every day, from now until the end of the year, to focus on one area of your classroom. Start with your desk and move around the room from there. By the end of the year, you’ll have a classroom you can feel good about coming back to after summer break!

Thank Your Teammates

You can’t do this job without your coworkers. Let them know how much you enjoyed and appreciated working them with a simple gift or thank you note. Potted plants, homemade goodies, or even a simple from-the-heart note are all great ways to say “Thank You For A Great Year!”

Treat Yourself!

The taste of summer vacation is lingering in the air!  You’ve made it. Treat yourself for your hard work before those last weeks of school. Get a massage. Eat at your favorite restaurant. Go get that book you’ve been meaning to read. Grab some appetizers during happy hour while you toast to another successful school year in the books. Or, if you’re anything like me, get a babysitter and take a long nap. After your personal pampering, you can return to school feeling rejuvenated to finish up the last weeks of school like a boss!

May the end of your school year be productive and positive. Cheers!