Summer break is supposed to be a time to relax, recharge, and maybe sip something iced on the patio. But if you’re a teacher, you also know summer often comes with a to-do list a mile long—including professional development (PD) hours you’re expected to earn before August rolls around.

Here’s the good news: you don’t have to choose between rest and professional growth. You can do both—and on your own terms!

In this post (and in Episode 227 of The Shake Up Learning Show), I’m sharing how to shift your mindset and create a summer learning plan that feels nourishing, not depleting—so you can actually enjoy your break and feel refreshed for the new school year.

Listen to this episode:

This episode is sponsored by Solution Tree.

Instead of one-size-fits-all solutions, Solution Tree programs are tailored to each individual school’s needs, blending in-person and virtual coaching and guidance as well as literature and EdTech. All their methods are designed and delivered by real educators, who bring their experience to whatever challenges you and your school are facing. From raising student proficiency to improving behavioral intervention strategies, Solution Tree has been helping schools reach their potential for over 25 years. You can see success stories from schools around the country, or see what they can do for yours!

➡️ Visit SolutionTree.com/ShakeUpLearning to learn more

Teacher PD on the Patio: Reset & Recharge this Summer

Let’s start here: Summer PD should help you reset and re-energize—not leave you more exhausted. Gone are the days of six-hour sit-and-get sessions. You don’t need a rigid schedule to grow as an educator.

🎯 Shift Your Mindset: PD Shouldn’t Feel Like Work

Think “learning in the background”—just like you might listen to a podcast while folding laundry or watch a short video while sipping tea on the back porch.

This is your chance to customize your PD experience in a way that works for you.

🧘‍♀️ 5 Tips for Blending Relaxation and Professional Learning

Here’s how to create a flexible and fun summer PD routine that doesn’t interrupt your well-earned break:

1. Set a Chill Learning Goal

Choose one small area to focus on—something that excites you or something you want to improve in your classroom.
Examples:

Try a new AI tool
Redesign one lesson or unit
Learn one time-saving tech strategy

No laundry lists—just one goal to guide your summer growth!

2. Learn from Anywhere

One of the best things about being a connected educator today? You can learn from anywhere.

PD on the patio 🌿
PD on the couch 🛋️
PD at the beach 🏖️

Watch a video, listen to a podcast, or read an article—wherever you are!

3. Schedule Snack-Sized Sessions

No need for long marathons. Try 20–30 minutes a few times a week. Put it on your calendar and treat it like a self-care appointment.

4. Mix and Match How You Learn

Watch, listen, read, attend live…whatever works for your brain and schedule.

And don’t forget—you can use AI tools to recommend podcasts, articles, or even books based on your summer goal!

5. Celebrate the Small Wins

Finished a session? Treat yourself!

Get a smoothie, take a walk, or grab your favorite iced coffee. Build in those feel-good rewards and make learning something you look forward to.

☀️ Don’t Miss the Summer Learning Series!

Ready to put these tips into action? I’ve got just the thing.

The Shake Up Learning Summer Learning Series kicks off on June 3!

Join us for the second annual Summer Learning Series, a free, asynchronous online learning event designed specifically for K-12 teachers, instructional coaches, and education leaders.

New sessions released every Tuesday and Thursday through July 24
All sessions are on-demand—watch anytime, anywhere
Topics include AI in the classroom, classroom management, Google tools, and more
Free to watch on YouTube (or upgrade for more perks!)

👉 Register for the FREE Summer Learning Series

🎁 Upgrade to the FULL Summer Learning Experience with ALL ACCESS!

Upgrade to the ALL ACCESS Membership and unlock:

✔️ Ad-free access to all Summer Learning Series sessions
✔️ Certificates for PD credit
✔️ Members-only BONUS sessions
✔️ My new AI for Classroom Management book
✔️ AI cheat sheets, templates, and more
✔️ Over 75 hours of on-demand PD

💛 And for Teacher Appreciation Month, you can join now for 50% off—just $28.50 for your first 3 months!

👉 Join ALL ACCESS here and save 50%

You Deserve Rest. You Deserve Growth.

Let’s redefine what summer PD looks like:

Flexible. Joyful. On your terms.

Whether you’re on your patio, your couch, or catching a flight—this summer, give yourself permission to rest and grow without the guilt.

Let’s shake up summer learning together! ☀️

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