School’s out soon for summer and this year I’m being intentional. I created a Teacher Summer Bucket List and want to share it with all teachers so they can have the best summer possible!
When creating my Teacher Summer Bucket List, I wanted it to be more about recharging, resetting, and reclaiming my personal time after a very demanding school year. This was my second year as a Behavior Interventionist and I’ve been having quite a year of ups and downs.
Here are my key reasons why I decided to do something different this summer and why you should too!
1. Prioritize Self-Care
Teaching is physically, mentally, and emotionally taxing. A summer bucket list serves as a self-care plan, encouraging teachers to rest, recover, and invest in their own well-being. I’ve been on my self-care journey since 2019 and created an entire course for teachers who needed to get their life back.
2. Reconnect with Personal Identity
During the school year, teachers often pour so much into others that they lose track of their own interests. A bucket list helps reconnect with hobbies, passions, and relationships outside of education. It’s crazy how teachers will say they will get back to their personal interests once summer starts. Most of the time, that never happens.
3. Create a Sense of Purpose (Without Pressure)
Summer can slip away quickly. A list creates gentle structure and intentionality, helping teachers make the most of their time—without turning it into a to-do list. Teachers, we like structure so I know with a guided list, it will create a sense of urgency for us to do something FOR US!
4. Encourage Balance
By mixing in fun, adventure, rest, and light professional growth, a summer bucket list helps maintain a balanced lifestyle that supports both personal joy and future classroom success. Hopefully, this balance is created and continues throughout the school year as well.
5. Boost Mental Wellness
Anticipating enjoyable activities can boost mood and motivation, helping combat burnout and stress. It gives teachers something to look forward to—even small things matter. Its time to focus on yourself for a change and boost positivity in your life. It can only mean good things to come!
6. Set a Positive Tone for the New School Year
A fulfilling summer can help teachers return to school feeling refreshed, inspired, and re-energized, which benefits not only them but also their students. This is a great way to end the summer and start the school year with a positive sense of well being.
23 Teacher Summer Bucket List Ideas
Relax & Recharge
- Take a no-alarm day – Sleep in guilt-free.
- Plan a tech-free weekend – Unplug from school email and social media.
- Read for pleasure – No PD books allowed.
- Have a “staycation” day – Do touristy things in your own town.
- Get a massage or spa treatment – You’ve earned it.
Adventure & Fun
- Travel somewhere new – Even a day trip counts.
- Try a new outdoor activity – Kayaking, paddle boarding, or hiking.
- Attend a concert or festival – Summer is prime time.
- Go to a baseball game or summer sport – Great for relaxing and soaking up the sun.
- Have a picnic at the park or beach – Bonus points for bringing a good book.
Creativity & Hobbies
- Start a passion project – Blog, craft, garden, or learn a musical instrument.
- Take a class for fun – Pottery, cooking, photography—just for you.
- Start a summer journal or sketchbook – Document the break.
Friends & Family
- Host a BBQ or potluck – Catch up with loved ones.
- Have a family game/movie night – Make it themed for extra fun.
- Reconnect with non-teacher friends – You know, the ones who think summer break is eternal bliss.
Self-Care & Wellness
- Join a fitness or yoga class – Or just walk daily in nature.
- Try a new healthy recipe each week – Maybe even prep some meals for back-to-school.
- Do a 30-day wellness challenge – Mental, physical, or both.
Professional but Low-Key
- Read one inspiring education book – Something light and energizing.
- Organize your digital files – 15 minutes a day can work wonders.
- Rework one unit/lesson you wish had gone better – Fresh ideas flow easier with distance.
- Attend a low-stress PD – Preferably one with snacks and swag.
☀️ Teacher Summer Bucket List Template
🧘♀️ Relax & Recharge
- Sleep in until _______________.
- Unplug from school email for ____ days.
- Read _____________ (non-education book).
- Binge-watch _______________ guilt-free.
- Take a solo day trip to _______________.
🌿 Wellness & Self-Care
- Try a new workout or wellness routine: _______________.
- Go for a daily walk or run (goal: ____ days/week).
- Cook a healthy recipe: _______________.
- Schedule a self-care day (spa, massage, nails, etc.).
- Practice mindfulness or journaling: ____ minutes/day.
🎨 Creative & Personal Projects
- Start or work on a hobby: _______________.
- Learn something new just for fun (class/book/etc.): _______________.
- Create something: _______________ (art, music, blog, etc.).
- Organize a space in your home (closet, garage, etc.).
👨👩👧👦 Friends, Family & Fun
- Host a gathering or BBQ.
- Plan a family fun day at _______________.
- Schedule a date night or friend meet-up.
- Visit a local attraction or museum.
- Watch a summer movie under the stars.
✈️ Adventure & Exploration
- Visit a new town/city: _______________.
- Go on a weekend getaway.
- Try an outdoor adventure (hiking, paddleboarding, etc.).
- Take a scenic drive to _______________.
📚 Light Professional Growth (Optional)
- Read one inspiring education book: _______________.
- Reflect on one lesson to improve next year.
- Attend a low-stress PD or webinar.
- Organize digital files or classroom materials.
- Prep a small classroom upgrade idea.
✨ Summer Goals or Intentions
- My word(s) for the summer: _______________
- One thing I want to say YES to: _______________
- One thing I will say NO to: _______________
- Summer mantra: “___________________________________”
Final Thoughts
Teachers, make the most of your summer with a Summer Teacher Bucket List. Relax, recharge, and reset to make your summer one of the best seasons yet!