As an educator, you may have heard an old familiar joke that says there are three good reasons that one should become a teacher (namely June, July and August). After spending three-quarters of the year in a classroom environment, teachers may be even more eager than their students to hear the bell ring on the last day of classes for the academic year.

Then summer arrives, and carefree days are ahead. But some teachers are stumped for ideas as to how to spend their summer months. There are some worthwhile options for you to consider as a teacher that will help fill that void between summer and fall. The following list of activities are among the most sought after things to do during the summer, and the good thing is that teachers can often work in more than one of these activities at once.

Summer Trips with Your Students

Although you will need to plan well in advance for this type of activity, it is definitely rewarding to take a group of students on a summer trip. Many teachers even choose to take a trip abroad to visit a foreign land with their students in tow. There are several reputable companies that can organize stimulating itineraries for just such a trip that will make it an exciting and fun option for both you and your students.

Working on Your Credentials

Some teachers use the summer months as a time to work on or diversify their academic credentials by pursuing a graduate programs or even meeting their state’s requirements to get renewal credits. From weekend seminars to online learning opportunities, if you have some idle time on your hands, you might want to look into summer courses. Don’t forget that there are some state departments of education that fund and operate summer study programs for just this purpose.

Teach!

Do you have an advanced degree in a specific subject area? Put it to work doing what you do best – teaching – at the college or university level. As an adjunct professor with a local community college or university, you will not have the tiresome administrative duties of an actual professor but will get most of the perks (and pretty good pay, too).

Read for the College Board

You can also pick up some extra income by reading for the College Board. Each year in the third week of June, many teachers read advanced placement exams for the College Board in cities across the country. As a reader, you will be paid very well and all of your travel costs are covered.

Other Employment Opportunities

In our continued sour economy, more and more teachers are looking into summer jobs of any kind to help pay down debt or build savings. Jobs outside of the educational arena, such as in retail sales or the food industry are often plentiful and easy to get – and will provide you with a distraction during the summer months that pays.

Take the Time Off to Relax

And last of all, don’t beat yourself up if you decide to just take off the three summer months and devote them to spending time with yourself, your family and your friends. Spending some leisurely time recuperating from your long academic year is perfectly acceptable and will give you time to recharge your batteries before heading back in the fall.

Author Bio: Jennifer Dobson is an early childhood educator and she invites you to visit her favorite online store for teachers, MPM School Supplies. The website has tons of quality products including everything from children’s hand puppets to teaching resources like social studies posters.

Category: Career
Keywords: career, teaching, teacher, part-time, part time, jobs, summer, summer jobs