As the sun rises on the final day of July, I find myself exhaling just a little longer.
There’s something sacred about a teacher’s time during the summer. Daily life slows down, even as it hums with warm energy—sun-soaked hikes, spontaneous conversations and happy hours with neighbors, house projects, paddleboarding, and late bedtimes. But there’s a subtle shift in the air now—a gentle reminder that August arrives tomorrow, and with it, the slow return to the rhythm of the school year.
If you’re like me, summer hasn’t just been a break from the classroom—it’s been a recharging station for the soul.
This July, I leaned into the lazy, warm days and gave myself permission to rest—not just physically, but emotionally and mentally. As a Special Education teacher and Behavior Analyst, we carry more than data and lesson plans—we carry hearts, stories, and often, worry. The school year can feel never-ending. Summer is my time to make space for joy, stillness, and even boredom. I spent time in nature with my community, played with my five-year-old uninterrupted, and tried to remember what it feels like to just be.
So—before August sweeps us back into IEP meetings, behavior plans, master schedules, and parent phone calls—let’s pause and reflect. A quote from Socrates comes to mind:
“The unexamined life is not worth living.”
Find a quiet moment or space to reflect on the questions below. Whether you journal or simply let them swirl in your mind during a walk, this reflection is a powerful gift to yourself.
Now, as we step into August, we’re standing in a liminal space between two seasons—the after of one chapter and the before of another.
This is your gentle reminder: you’re not behind. You haven’t “wasted” summer if your to-do list is still full. Rest is not laziness. But if your heart is still longing for something, now is the time to name it.
Here’s what I’m prioritizing in these next few weeks:
“Sometimes we have to slow down long enough to remember why we started.”
You became an educator for a reason. And while the systems may be flawed, your impact is real. So take these final golden days of summer to refuel—not just your body, but your why.
August will be here in the morning. But tonight? Let’s toast to the healing power of summer—and the strength it takes to be an educator.
With you on this beautiful journey,
Kristy B.
What has been your most restorative moment this summer? What’s one thing you still want to do before school starts?