What Should an Art Teacher Do Over Summer Break?

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Recharge, Reflect, and Reignite Your Creativity

Summer break hits differently for art teachers. After months of prepping paint palettes, encouraging reluctant sketchers, cleaning up glitter spills, and juggling creativity with curriculum, the silence of a cleaned-out classroom can feel both peaceful and strange.

But summer isn’t just for rest—it’s a golden opportunity to refill your creative tank, reflect on your teaching, and prepare (without the pressure) for your next season. Whether you're a veteran teacher or wrapping up your first year, here are inspiring and practical ideas to make the most of your summer as an art educator.

1. Refresh and Refill Your Creative Well

You spend the school year pouring into others—summer is your time to refill.

• Make art for yourself: Paint, sketch, sculpt, collage—without lesson objectives or classroom constraints. Let it be messy or weird or beautiful.

• Start a personal project: A sketchbook challenge, a daily doodle diary, or a new medium you’ve always wanted to try.

• Visit galleries and museums: Let the work of other artists inspire your own.

• Watch art documentaries or read inspiring books: Reignite your love for the creative process.
  

Summer is a perfect time to remember what it feels like to be an artist—not just a teacher of art.

2. Reflect and Rethink Your Teaching Practice

The quiet of summer is ideal for looking back... and looking ahead.

• Journal your teaching reflections: What lessons worked well? What would you change?

• Review student work: Look for patterns—what excited students? Where did they struggle?

• Update your curriculum map: Are your units balanced in technique, expression, and art history?

• Rework assessments: Simplify your rubrics or make them more student-friendly and growth-focused.
  

Small tweaks made over the summer can transform your classroom vibe in the fall.

3. Prep Smarter, Not Harder

Use this time to set yourself up for a smoother, less chaotic start next year.

• Organize supplies and inventory what you need: Restock before the rush.

• Tweak lesson plans: Improve clarity, add better examples, or integrate new artists.

• Design handouts and slideshows: Create reusable resources now so you're not scrambling later.

• Plan bulletin boards or art room displays: Prep printables or gather reference images.

  
  

A few hours of prep now can save days of stress during back-to-school week.

4. Invest in Your Own Professional Growth

Stay inspired and sharpen your skills as an educator.

• Take a workshop or art class: Learn ceramics, printmaking, or digital illustration—whatever fuels you.

• Attend a conference: Local or national events like NAEA are packed with ideas and community.

• Read professional development books: Not just classroom management—look into creativity, neuroscience, or arts integration.

• Explore interdisciplinary ideas: Think about ways to blend art with science, history, or literature.

  
  

Growing as an artist and educator keeps your classroom dynamic and exciting.

5. Teach on Your Own Terms

Want to keep teaching? Summer gives you the freedom to shape it your way.

• Host a summer art camp or workshop: Teach what you love in a more relaxed setting.

• Offer private lessons: One-on-one instruction is rewarding and flexible.

• Sell your resources online: Share your best lessons on platforms like Teachers Pay Teachers.

• Run a pop-up art class in your community: Think local libraries, churches, or rec centers.

  
  

Summer teaching is flexible, creative, and can even help fund your classroom wishlist.

6. Rest and Recenter—Because You Deserve It

Finally—and most importantly—rest is productive.

• Unplug without guilt: Art teachers juggle creativity, planning, and emotional energy all year. It’s okay to stop.

• Get outside: Let nature fuel your observation skills and inner calm.

• Travel or explore local places: New visuals = new inspiration.

• Reconnect with your “why”: Remember what drew you to art and teaching in the first place.

  
  

You can’t pour from an empty paint jar. Give yourself space to rest, and you’ll return stronger.

Final Thoughts

Summer break for an art teacher is more than vacation—it's a sacred reset button. Whether you spend your time making art, prepping lessons, teaching on the side, or simply breathing, know that you're investing in your creativity and your students' future experiences.

So go ahead: make something weird, visit that museum, organize your markers, or do nothing at all for a day. Your future classroom self will thank you.

©HOPECREEKSTUDIOS2025