The Ultimate Teacher Summer Bucket List (No Lesson Plans Required)

School’s out, and so are the to-do lists that start with “make 37 copies” and end with “cry in planning period.” This summer? You’re in charge. And no, we’re not talking about curriculum mapping or bulletin board brainstorming.

Behold—the Teacher’s Summer Bucket List: the rebellious, restorative, and slightly ridiculous things you actually want to do before August comes calling.

☀️ 1. Nap Without Setting an Alarm

Real power is dozing off at 2:17 PM on a Tuesday and waking up whenever your body decides it’s done. Bonus points if your phone’s in the other room on Do Not Disturb.

📺 2. Binge-Watch Something With Absolutely No Educational Value

Whether it's true crime, teen drama, or a baking show judged by a snarky British guy—this is your summer syllabus. No objectives. No outcomes. No regrets.

🚙 3. Run Errands During Daylight

You’ve earned the sacred midday Target run. Wander the aisles. Smell every candle. Try on sunglasses you don’t need. No judgment here.

🍦 4. Eat Ice Cream for Lunch (and Possibly Breakfast)

Because you’re an adult. A highly educated adult who has endured cafeteria duty in June. And that deserves sprinkles.

🌳 5. Read a Book You Don’t Have to Discuss in a PLC

Plot holes? Predictable characters? Who cares! If it fits in your beach bag and doesn’t require a lesson plan, it’s a literary win.

📵 6. Turn Off School Email Notifications

Nothing ruins a hammock nap like a “friendly reminder” about back-to-school PD. Log out. Power down. Reclaim your peace.

🩴 7. Wear Flip-Flops Until They Give Out

You wore real shoes for 180 days. Summer footwear should be optional, questionably supportive, and preferably $3.99 from Old Navy.

🛒 8. Say “No” to Things That Feel Like Work

Volunteering at summer camp? Coordinating a block party? Writing a curriculum guide? Hard pass. You’re off-duty, remember?

💡 9. Do Something Spontaneous

Road trip. Water balloon fight. Karaoke. Doesn’t matter—just pick something that feels delightfully unserious. Like this blog post.

🧠 10. Forget What Day It Is (At Least Once)

Is it Wednesday? Saturday? Who knows. Who cares. The only calendar that matters is the one in your head counting down to “Not Today, Admin.”

This summer, skip the lesson plans and live the dream. You’ve spent the year shaping minds. Now it’s time to unwind yours.

What’s on your non-school summer bucket list? Tell us in the comments below, or just whisper it into your third iced coffee. We’ll feel it.