Seven Stages Teachers Go Through During Summer Break: Sports and Spirituality Style

Calling all teachers. If you are seeking authenticity and honesty, insight and truth—look no further than Stages Teachers Go through During Summer Break. (I hope that made you laugh). I do not doubt that this meme will resonate with you. And, it can serve as a great way for us to capture how we spent the last eight weeks. Given that teachers I work with report to school tomorrow and start classes on Friday, it's time for Sports and Spirituality to speak to each stage. Enjoy.

Summer 2025.

Stage One: The Sleeping Stage (June)
In the 1980s, a banner inside the Edmonton Oilers’ hockey stadium proclaimed, “On the eighth day, God made Gretzky.” What it didn’t say—or remind us—is that this might have been possible because, on the seventh day, He rested.

So too it is with teachers. There has to be some time for sleep—because it's not a given during the school year. Nothing is more liberating that those first few days of sleeping in, sleeping long, and sleeping hard. Love this stage.

Stage Two: The Health Stage (Mid-June)
The narrator proclaims "I don't think I'm going to have another carb all summer. No seriously, I think I'm going to work out twice a day...starting tomorrow."

Although the story was published in the late July issue of Men's Health, the feature Luka Dončić 2.0 Has Entered the Chat inspired me to recommit to what I too promised myself in mid-June, too.

While I don't have a personal chef and in spite of the fact training, lifting and getting fit isn't my full time job, I still felt that as a teacher with the summer off something similar might be possible. I was wrong. 

I did go to StretchLab and the gym in the same day....once. I think I had one day of high protein and gluten free bread, but I got interrupted by a show, too. No it wasn't "Love Island." Instead, I had a love affair with Apple TV's show, "Stick" and Owen Wilson instead.

Stage Three: The Cleaning Stage (July)
Fueled by a commitment to give to those in need, lessen my dependence on material goods and increase my appreciation for all I have—the cleaning stage came on fast and hard. I reused, I reduced and I recycled all in the name of simplifying my life and helping others. Why can't I do this 365 days of the year? July vacay is not a requirement for this spiritual discipline.

My nieces got to meet my good friend and classmate "Tio" Alex!

Stage Four: The Travel Stage (July)
One of the worst things a person can say is "I need a vacation from my vacation." Seriously? 
And yet when paired with Dannenbring's question "Can I afford to go to the Amalfi Coast on a teacher's salary?" I get it.

I took my niece Grace to San Diego as her high school graduation gift—a trip that became a true highlight of my summer. I cherished the time with her and her younger sister, Lucy. With no passports, five-star hotels, or hefty bar tabs, the getaway didn’t break the bank.

Two days after returning from SoCal, I joined my usual crew in Lake Tahoe for the American Century Championship. I’m not complaining—the travel stage is one of the perks of being a teacher. But when the casino tables in Tahoe start at $25 minimum, my teacher salary starts barking back. In a single roll of craps, I lost the entire stipend I’d earned proctoring the SAT on a Saturday.

Stage Five: The Random Hobby Stage (Mid-July)
While I didn't learn a new language or get into grilling (FWIW: I applaud both efforts), I did take up stand up paddle boarding (SUP). I made it my goal to get back on the water. Due to my heart condition, I cannot row crew. I am not excited about open water swimming and I don't know how to sail. I figured that SUP is something I could do solo or with others. It takes me out of the fog (the places I'm familiar with launching my SUP are in warmer weather locales (yay!).
I went onto Facebook Marketplace and bought an inflatable board.

Putting effort into pursuing something that has grown beyond a hobby into a new past time brought a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. I now have a water sport that is quite versatile—it is recreational but can contribute to my personal fitness. When I am on the paddle board, I am disconnected with tech and in touch with nature. I took deliberate steps to participate safely and wisely and intend to keep working at it. 

Stage Six: The Denial Stage (August)
No time is a good time for the Back to School missive, but I do understand: it must be sent.  I sure every administrator thinks "damned if I do. Damned if I don't." Whether or not they send the seasonal missive, I do what I can to live in denial....until I can't.

Stage Seven: The Panic Stage (Mid-August)
I think it should be noted that I am still in Stage Six: Denial, but I find that panic is settling in. I managed to purchase a new used car just two weeks ago and it took me until today to make sure my insurance covers the vehicle (thanks St. Chris for the safe passage!). I got a hair cut on Saturday and a temporary crown put on today. I hope to have a plan for world peace by the end of the week.

So special to get to Father Scott's parish in San Diego: Our Lady of Guadalupe

In Conclusion
Being a teacher is a wonderful way to make a living. It is a rewarding profession. We are always learning—far beyond the subjects we teach. We get to start anew with each passing year. Each stage of a teacher's career offers its own challenges and opportunities and as we are reminded so do the stages of summer.  

I'm so grateful for the time I was given and the memories made with family, friends, students and colleagues. Here's to another great year!

Photo Credits
Men's Health