10 Things Every Teacher Should Do Before Truly Starting Vacation

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 There are silences that say it all.

Like that moment when the classroom is finally empty, and only loose papers, uncapped markers… and your slower heartbeat remain. The year is over. And even if there are still things to wrap up, you can already feel it: that sweet, dizzy feeling of having reached the end.

It doesn’t matter if it was a brilliant year or one full of bumps; what matters is that you were there. Day after day. With your drive, your doubts, your joys and sadness, your strength, and your exhaustion.

This isn’t your typical to-do list. It’s a reminder of what matters. Of what’s human. Of what deserves to be wrapped up with intention, so that your vacation can truly begin.

1. Leave light, even if you’re exhausted.
Saying goodbye with an open heart is a gift. No matter how challenging the year or a relationship may have been, your mission has always been to bring light. A few sincere words, a warm goodbye, a grateful look… those moments are unforgettable. And even if your body is begging for rest, that final gesture will bring you a sense of peace.

2. Organize with the future in mind.
Even if you’re running on empty, take a moment to save the materials that worked for you. That go-to activity, that routine that saved your Mondays… store them safely. Your future self will thank you with a big hug.

3. Write down what you don’t want to forget.
In a notebook, your planner, or a digital note: jot down what worked, what you’d do again, and what improved your classroom. Be specific. Writing it down now is an act of love for your future self, the one coming back with a head full of sunshine and sand.

4. Speak up about what you want.
Talk to your supervisors. Ask for what you need: grade level, changes, challenges, rest. People who speak tend to get what they ask for. And if not, at least you won’t be left wondering what could’ve happened if you had said something.

5. Reach out to those you didn’t get to say goodbye to.
The end-of-year chaos can leave things unfinished. If there was a student or family you didn’t get to close the year with, do it now. A message, a call, a short note. Close the loop with empathy. That’s teaching, too.

6. Take what’s truly yours.
Imagine a new opportunity pops up and you can’t return. Some materials are yours, they’re part of you, and shouldn’t be left behind. Please don’t leave it for tomorrow. Pack them up today.

7. Leave everything else in order.
Return all items that belong to the students who’ve left. Label them clearly so there’s no doubt. Avoid being contacted during your vacation for things you no longer remember. Your rest deserves no interruptions.

8. Help another teacher.
If you’ve finished everything, take a look around. Maybe someone else needs a hand, a tip, or a practical favor. Giving without expecting anything back is more recharging than a nap.

9. Wrap up with emotional clarity.
If there was tension or an awkward moment with a colleague, and you feel it’s worth addressing, do it. Not to become best friends, but to find peace. Closing the school year means closing a chapter. Do it without resentment.

10. If you’re doing Summer Camp… respect, all the way!
If you’re staying on for Summer Camp, you deserve a medal and an endless nap. But since you can’t sleep just yet, here’s something even better: a resource that will leave a mark on your students, save you time, and turn your summer into something enjoyable, not just something to survive. Want to know what it is? Check out my Summer Camp materials, you’re going to love them.

“Teaching is the only profession where you leave a piece of your soul in every room you exit.”

Now, close your eyes, breathe… and rest.
Teacher, you gave it your all. The best of you, the part no one sees. You gave energy when you had none, smiles when you were tired, and support even when you needed it yourself. You deserve to pause, sleep, laugh, and breathe. You deserve a real vacation.

And if you still have a little energy left and are looking for fresh, fun, and meaningful ideas for Summer Camp… I invite you to visit my store. You’ll find ready-to-go resources that will make your students’ summer shine.

What’s your favorite ritual for closing the school year?
I’ll be reading your comments, because among teachers, there’s always something new to learn.

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