Summer is a perfect time for business teachers to relax, recharge and prepare for the upcoming academic year.
For business teachers, summer is an ideal time to relax due to several factors that promote wellness and relaxation. First, the end of the academic year often coincides with the beginning of summer, which means that many professors have an extended break from teaching responsibilities. This break gives them the opportunity to unwind, recharge their batteries and spend time on activities they find rewarding.
In addition, the warm, sunny summer weather often provides a more relaxed and restful environment. The opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities, such as walks, sports or simply relaxing in nature, helps to reduce stress and improve teachers' moods. Contact with nature and sunlight can also have positive effects on emotional and physical well-being.
Finally, summer offers teachers the flexibility to spend time taking care of themselves, whether through leisure activities, reading books that interest them, or participating in personal and professional development programs. This period of rest and relaxation allows them to recharge their batteries, renew their motivation and return to work with a fresher, more refreshed outlook.
Here are 10 recommended activities to make the most of this season:
1. Professional Updating:
Take courses, seminars or workshops related to your area of business expertise to stay current with the latest trends and practices.
Some summer 2024 seminars for teachers:
- Teacher Education Courses - summer 2024: Modernity and postmodernity, an approach from philosophy.
- Register for Summer School 2024 for teachers and education professionals: Design of evaluation instruments, teacher leadership and management.
- UANL Summer 2024 Teacher Training Program: Period from July 15 to September 9, 2024, self-managed courses.
- UNACH Summer Courses 2024: Themes of pedagogy, didactics, technology and research.
These seminars offer training and updating opportunities for teachers during the summer of 2024.
2. Research and Writing:
Spend time researching and writing academic articles or books that can contribute to the business field.
Here's a list of 3 recommended articles that every business teacher (interested in entrepreneurship) should read:
- "Teacher and entrepreneur? We give you tips on how to set up your business." This article offers practical advice for teachers who want to get started in the business world, providing ideas on how to organize customized classes and apply innovative teaching models.
- "The new realities for entrepreneurial teachers". This article addresses the importance of entrepreneurial teachers acquiring basic knowledge about aspects such as issuing invoices, providing relevant information for those who wish to combine teaching with entrepreneurship.
- "Recommendations for Entrepreneurship Education." This article provides key recommendations for entrepreneurship education, focusing on the development of business plans and strategies for business start-up analysis. It provides valuable insights for business educators interested in strengthening their knowledge in this field.
3. Networking:
Take advantage of the summer to connect with other business professionals by attending conferences, networking events or simply staying in touch with colleagues.
In summer 2024, there are several educational events in Europe that will be of interest to teachers. Here are some of them:
- Academy of management 2024: (9-11 august) The event attracts professionals, scholars, and experts from around the globe, providing a diverse networking environment where you can connect with individuals from different backgrounds and cultures.
- Call for summer courses for Spanish teachers abroad: This call offers the opportunity to participate in face-to-face training courses for Spanish teachers - don't miss this opportunity to improve your language skills!
- Professional Teaching Stays: Call 2024/2025 - INTEF: This initiative offers two-week professional stays for teachers, which can be taken from November 2024 to August 2025. It is an excellent opportunity to enrich your educational experience.
- Summer University 2024 - Institut Français: The French Embassy in Spain is organizing the Summer University 2024, an educational event to be held at the French Lycée. This activity promotes the exchange of knowledge and experiences among teachers.
These educational events offer valuable training and networking opportunities for teachers during the summer.
4. Personal Development:
Invest in your personal development through reading business books, practicing mindfulness or participating in activities that inspire you.
Selected summer reading clubs for teachers that might be of interest to you:
- Book Club for Teachers - Hélène Colinet: This club offers the opportunity to enjoy readings and conversations in a cozy atmosphere during the summer.
- UTB Teachers' Reading Club: Consists of biweekly meetings throughout the academic semester where previously read books are discussed.
- Special Universidad de los Andes Reading Club: Aimed at all those interested in exploring literary works from Antiquity to the present day.
These book clubs offer an excellent opportunity to enjoy reading, exchange ideas and enrich your summer experience.
5. Mentoring:
Offer your expertise as a mentor to students or professionals seeking guidance in the business world. There are also volunteer programs that offer the opportunity to provide mentoring as a teacher.
6. Consulting Projects:
Conduct consulting or advisory projects for local businesses or entrepreneurs who can benefit from your knowledge and skills.
Doing consulting or advisory projects for local companies as a teacher can be beneficial for several reasons. First, this experience provides an opportunity to apply knowledge gained in the educational setting in a real business context, which allows professors to broaden their vision and understanding of different industries and business challenges.
By collaborating with local businesses, professors can establish meaningful connections with the business community, which can result in networking, collaboration and professional development opportunities.
In addition, by participating in consulting or advisory projects, professors can contribute their experience and expertise to solve specific problems faced by local businesses.
This direct interaction with the business sector gives them the opportunity to identify new trends, challenges and opportunities that can enrich their pedagogical skills and improve the relevance of their teaching. In summary, engaging in consulting or advisory projects for local businesses as a teacher not only benefits the businesses by receiving expert advice, but also enriches the teacher's experience and professional development.
7. Volunteering:
Dedicate some of your time to volunteer activities related to entrepreneurship or business education to contribute to the community.
Some of the programs available include the Call for Volunteers and Mentors, where each mentor is responsible for liaising with the practice supervisors and teachers of the educational institutions.
There is also the Volunteer to be a Mentor or Mentee program, which focuses on a service-oriented accompaniment strategy. These volunteer programs allow teachers to share their skills and talents to support others in the educational field.
Likewise, the Activists - Constructive Activists Volunteer Program offers the possibility of being a mentor or teacher with more than 100 hours of volunteering. These programs provide a platform for teachers to contribute their experience and knowledge to the training of others in the field of education.
8. Study Trips:
Organize or participate in study trips to companies, trade shows or business-related destinations to broaden your horizons and experiences.
Study trips for teachers are offered by the following companies:
- Summer courses abroad with EF Colombia: Enjoy courses designed for young people, adults and children, with the best educational quality and guaranteed fun, an unforgettable experience to learn and enjoy at the same time!
- Courses abroad for adults with OTR Idiomas: They offer programs for adults who wish to pursue a master's degree or other higher education abroad, work as an Au Pair in the United States or travel to countries such as South Africa, Canada or Australia with an educational course.
- Travel abroad in the summer to learn with native teachers: This experience allows you to have direct contact with native teachers, which can be very enriching to improve your language skills.
- English courses abroad for adults over 40: If you want to improve your English, there are specialized schools and courses for adults of different ages, such as over 40, 30 or 50, in destinations such as England, Malta and Ireland.
These companies offer exciting opportunities for teachers to participate in summer study trips and enrich their educational experience.
9. Skills Development:
Take advantage of the summer to work on the development of soft skills such as communication, leadership or conflict resolution, which are essential in the business world.
When it comes to improving soft skills, there are several apps available that can help you enhance these essential abilities for the business world. Here are some recommended apps for each of these skills:
Communication Skills:
- Communication Skills (Google Play): This app emphasizes the importance of communication skills and offers a rating of 4.1 with 316 reviews.
- Orai - Improve Public Speaking (Apple): With a rating of 4.5 and 711 reviews, this app focuses on improving public speaking skills.
Leadership Skills:
- Leadership Development (Google Play): This app offers a course to help you identify and develop your leadership strengths, rated at 4.7 with 2385 reviews.
- GLSnext - Leadership Training (Apple): Download this app for world-class leadership development articles and videos, rated at 4.8 with 10328 reviews.
- Ken Blanchard How2Lead: This app delivers valuable content applicable to leaders at all levels.
Conflict Resolution Skills:
- Conflict Management (Google Play): Unlock the secrets to resolving conflicts and enhancing relationships with this app, rated at 4.9 with 105 reviews.
- Making Conflict Work app: This interactive tool helps you respond adaptively and constructively to conflicts.
These apps can be valuable tools in honing your soft skills, providing practical exercises, feedback, and resources to help you excel in the business world.
10. Time to Rest:
Don't forget to set aside time to rest, relax and enjoy the summer. Balancing work and rest is key to maintaining motivation and productivity.
In conclusion, exploring the various activities available to teachers during the summer of 2024 highlights the importance of taking advantage of these opportunities for professional and personal development.
From pedagogical refresher programs to wellness retreats and recreational activities, there is a wide range of offerings for educators to enrich their skills, connect with colleagues, and recharge for the next school year. Participating in these activities not only fosters continued growth, but also promotes creativity, emotional well-being and the building of professional networks.
Summer 2024 presents itself as a window of opportunity for teachers to immerse themselves in enriching experiences that contribute to their holistic development. Have a summer full of learning, connection and growth!
