Schools: A teacher’s lesson for summer

By Nellie Goshey 
Guest columnist 

Summer has officially arrived, and with it a long summer vacation for many students and their families. It is an exciting time for families to be together and to participate in many wonderful activities. School has stopped, and the hallways are empty and waiting for the return of school in the fall. Teachers have a few months off where they aren’t thinking about teaching and just relaxing. 

Actually, that is not the case. 

A school in summer is often filled with teachers and staff coming in and stopping by to do a little work here and there. They are working on creating a new learning environment for the next group of students coming. Their aim is to create a space that is welcoming and shows the students that they love them and care about them, arranging tables and desks in the best manner to help students learn and especially creating a space dedicated to prayer. 

Summer is a time when teachers take a retreat. Instead of their normal daily activities in a classroom, they are given an opportunity to slow down a bit, to step away and look at teaching with new eyes. Teachers will reflect during the summer about how the previous school year went. They have time to find a quiet place and ask the questions they have been thinking and pondering about all year. “What could have been different? What can I do better? How can I show each child that they are loved by God?” These questions can truly be focused on during their summer retreat. 

Teachers spend their summer praying for their students. (They do this during the school year, as well). Not just the ones that they will meet next school year, but all the ones they have taught in the past. They are remembering the activities, sports, and hobbies of each of their previous students and wondering if they are getting to do the things that they love. They are hoping to bump into them someday in the town to have a quick chat. Teachers also know about the struggles of each of their students and are praying for each of their needs during this summer retreat. 

Teachers are still teaching us during the summer months. They are showing us it’s OK to slow down for a bit and reflecting on the events of the previous year and determining what could be better or different. 

I encourage you to ponder this lesson from a teacher during summer. Create a space that is welcoming and shows your family that you love them and care about them. Form a part of your home that is a dedicated prayer space where you can gather together or separately to spend time with our Lord. Take a retreat with your family. Reflect on the previous year and ask questions: “What could have been different? What can I do better? How can I show each family member that they are loved by God?” 

Lastly, pray for your family and pray with your family. Thank God for all the gifts, struggles, hardships, and joys of the year. This is a teacher’s lesson for summer. 

Nellie Goshey is principal of St. Joseph School.