Summer PD Ideas to Refresh and Reflect

Low-Key Ways to Jumpstart Your Growth as an Educator

The school year is finally over—deep breath in, exhale out.

You made it through, and that alone is a huge accomplishment. Summer is a time to rest, reset, and reflect. But it can also be a beautiful opportunity to grow—on your own terms.

For new teachers especially, summer is a chance to reconnect with your purpose, explore your curiosity, and build confidence before heading into year two. Not with long to-do lists or pressure—but with small, meaningful steps that can spark fresh energy for the year ahead.

Here are a few professional development ideas for new teachers looking to make the most of their summer—without burning out.

1. Read Something That Nourishes You

You don’t have to power through a dense theory book. Pick up something that gets you thinking, laughing, or inspired about the work you do.

• A book on classroom culture
• A teacher memoir or essay collection
• A story that centers kids or learning in the real world
  

Even a chapter or two can shift your mindset for the better.

2. Subscribe to a New Podcast

Podcasts are perfect for summer walks, car rides, or just sipping coffee. Choose one that stretches your thinking or helps you feel seen as an educator.
Look for shows on topics like:

• Classroom management
• Teacher burnout and wellness
• Teaching and learning
• Student motivation and engagement

 Don’t underestimate how much you can learn just by listening.

3. Learn One New Tech Tool

Choose one classroom app or platform you want to feel more confident using next year—whether it’s for communication, organization, or instruction.

Spend an hour or two exploring:

• Free tutorials
• Educator forums or blogs
• A short self-paced course

This tiny investment in tech-savviness can pay off big-time during the school year.

4. Try a Mini Online Course

If you’re feeling curious (and have the headspace), try a short course or webinar in an area you’d love to grow. Some ideas:

• Assessment and feedback
• Helping New Teachers - 6 Part Online Course in Teaching Basics
• Culturally responsive teaching
• Project-based learning
• Supporting neurodiverse learners

Keep it light and relevant—this is about exploration, not overwhelm.

5. Reflect and Reset

Sometimes the most powerful PD isn’t about learning something new—it’s about processing what just happened.

Take time to journal, create a vision board, or talk with another teacher about

• What worked for you this year
• What you want to leave behind
• What kind of educator you’re becoming

Reflection is growth.

Final Thought

Summer PD doesn’t have to mean hours of planning or rigid goals. It can be soft, curious, and even fun. Pick one thing that feels interesting—not urgent—and give yourself permission to explore.

Rest is professional development. So is joy. So is remembering why you became a teacher in the first place.

You’ve earned this summer. Grow at your own pace.