Professional development probably isn’t at the top of your “Things To Do on Break” list. And that’s OK! School business leaders work hard throughout the school year. When a break rolls around, it’s completely normal (and appropriate) to want to rest. To push business out of your brain and focus on family and fun. 

Sure, breaks are for recharging – but completely ignoring your professional growth over the summer is kind of like a student skipping reading until the first day back at school. Your skills may atrophy, and you won’t be nearly as sharp as you’d be if you devoted even a little bit of time to honing your knowledge.  

Break times are a perfect opportunity to build your professional skills. We recommend you download the at-a-glance course list from CASBO SBU. During the school year, it can be hard to find time for quiet reflection and skill building. On break, you can tackle subjects that will allow you to function more effectively when you’re back on the job – and you can do so in ways the work for you. 

Rest and Rejuvenation 

Give yourself some deep rest and relaxation at the beginning of your break. Your body and brain need time to gear down. Then, when you’re ready, let your mind wander. (Your mind might start even before you consciously decide you’re ready!) Think about the past months and those ahead. Think far into the future, too. What do you see for yourself, career-wise? Where would you like to go? What would you like to do, if given the opportunity?  

Loosely ponder any likely obstacles or looming possibilities as well. Don’t obsess or try to strategize; just notice. You may find your mind turning over ideas as you laze in a hammock, chase your kids at the park or cool off in a lake or pool. Later, you may want to jot them down in a notebook or app. These thoughts – the ones that bubble up when your conscious mind is at rest and your body is otherwise engaged — often reflect your deeper professional values, concerns and aspirations. 

Use them to guide your professional development and break time learning. “Think about how you can level up your career,” says Kristen Gates, online learning director at CASBO. “Think, What are my professional goals? and then, What can I do to help myself achieve those goals?”  

Small Doses, Big Gains 

Don’t let overwhelm keep you from action. If improving your conflict-resolution skills is a top priority for you, look for learning opportunities that focus on conflict resolution; skip past any offerings about fiscal planning or artificial intelligence (AI). On the other hand, if you’re intrigued by AI, set aside some time to “play” and explore.  

Break time learning should be fun; it shouldn’t be a chore. Students and school business officials learn best when the topic sparks interest and is connected to real-world goals. Key into professional development opportunities that resonate with you.  

Start small and consider your personal preferences. Do you like podcasts? Download a few podcast episodes that align with your professional goals and listen to them at your convenience. Prefer the written word? Order a new book and engage in a personal or cooperative book study. Like video? There are dozens of self-paced, on-demand video courses in CASBO’s online School Business University (SBU); these courses are free for CASBO members. (Remember: If your school district has a CASBO membership, you have full access to SBU.)  

Professional development doesn’t have to be time-consuming to be effective. “You don’t have a sign up for a six-week program. Simply setting aside 30 minutes or so a week can help you build momentum,” Gates says.  

Learning That Fits Your Schedule 

During breaks, you can engage in professional learning whenever it’s convenient for you; perhaps you don’t have to get up early and commute to a specific location (unless you want to!). That flexibility allows you to learn in ways that make sense for your schedule.  

“One of the great benefits of self-paced and on-demand leaning is that you can fit it into your schedule and your life wherever you see fit,” Gates says. You could watch a course in the morning while you drink  your coffee or tea – or in the awkward gap between dropping one kid off for soccer skills camp and picking up another from karate.  

Establishing regular times to engage in professional development – and setting and celebrating incremental achievements – can keep you on track. Aim for progress over perfection; some days, your best laid plans fall apart due to a veterinary emergency or broken home appliance. Allow yourself to adapt your learning schedule to your reality. 

An accountability buddy can help you maintain forward progress despite challenges. Consider sharing your learning goals and plans with a friend or colleague and schedule periodic check-ins.  

With a little intention, break time can fuel both your well-being and your professional development. View courses in School Business University (SBU).