In this special live season finale of the Innovative Schools Podcast, Jordan brings together a panel of education experts—Katie Kinder, Kara Rigsby, Megan Diede, and Ernesto Mejia—to discuss how educators can make the most of their summer. Through stories, laughter, and practical advice, the panel explores the importance of rest, reflection, and renewal, while offering actionable ways to recharge both personally and professionally before the next school year begins.
🔑 Key Takeaways
✔️Summer should be viewed as a time of renewal, not just recovery.
✔️Rest is most effective when it is intentional and guilt-free.
✔️Reflection helps educators celebrate successes while identifying opportunities for growth.
✔️Creating memories often matters more than completing another to-do list.
✔️Small personal habits and mindset shifts can dramatically improve well-being.
✔️Educators should prioritize both physical and mental health during the summer months.
✔️The impact educators make often extends far beyond what they can see.
💬 Memorable Quotes
🗣️“Rest is a requirement, not a reward.”
🗣️“You're not going to remember the to-do list. You'll remember the memories you created.”
🗣️“What is your why for the summer?”
🗣️“The work that you do matters.”
🗣️“You are not thanked enough, appreciated enough, or respected enough.”
🗣️“Summer isn't about recovery—it's about renewal.”
🗣️“Create a memory list instead of a to-do list.”
🧠 Strategies You'll Learn
- How to use the Three R's: Rest, Reflect, and Rejuvenate as a framework for summer growth.
- How to intentionally schedule rest instead of waiting for it to happen.
- How to reflect honestly on the previous school year without dwelling on negativity.
- How to gather meaningful feedback from colleagues, administrators, and stakeholders.
- How to replace a summer to-do list with a memory-focused experience list.
- How to identify personal habits that bring energy and joy into your life.
- How to conduct a personal "check-engine light" assessment for your physical and mental health.
- How to carry positive summer habits into the next school year.
➕ Additional Practices
- Create a "Summer Memory List" with experiences you'd like to have rather than tasks you'd like to complete.
- Start a gratitude journal and identify three things you're thankful for each day.
- Schedule important health appointments you've been postponing.
- Ask trusted colleagues to identify two strengths and two growth areas for you as an educator.
- Try something completely new or outside your comfort zone this summer.
- Build intentional family experiences and traditions.
- Take time to celebrate successes from the previous school year before planning the next one.
- Identify one habit that fills your cup and commit to continuing it during the school year.
📚 Resources and Links
🔗 Megan and Kara’s IntergatED Website: https://integratedk12.com/
🔗 Link to the previous episode with Kara and Megan: Teaching Through Integrated Pathways w/ Megan Diede & Kara Rigsby
🔗 Katie Kinder’s Website: https://katie-kinder.com/
🔗 Link to previous episode with Katie: Digital Heroin w/ Katie Kinder
🔗Cool Speak with Ernesto Mejia Website: https://coolspeak.com/youth-motivational-speakers/ernesto-mejia/
🔗 Link to previous episode with Ernesto: The Power of Family Engagement w/ Ernesto Mejia
🔗 Find them all at the Innovative Schools Summit: https://innovativeschoolssummit.com/