The Awkward Octopus Productions

School's out. The grades are submitted, the classroom is quiet, and for the first time in months, no bell is telling you what to do next.

So...now what?

The transition into summer can feel surprisingly strange. When you've spent an entire school year responding to everyone else's needs, it may take a minute to remember what you need.

In "School's Out...Now What?", I reflect on that awkward shift from teacher mode to summer and what it can look like to reconnect with yourself when the noise finally settles.

What has the transition into summer felt like for you? Are you settling in, still decompressing, or somewhere in the weird in-between?

Tell me in the comments, then read the full reflection. 🐙

🔗https://theawkwardocto.substack.com/p/schools-out-now-what

Most teachers don't burn out because they don't care. They burn out because they care deeply.

About their students.
About doing a good job.
About making sure everything gets done.

The problem is that caring can quietly become carrying. And eventually, even the strongest people run out of room.

At some point, rest stops being a reward and starts becoming a responsibility.
What is one boundary you're setting for yourself this summer?