How Substitute Teachers Should Handle Spring Break

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Teachers and substitute teachers never truly turn off their "teacher brain," even during spring break. Like comedians and songwriters, educators are constantly collecting experiences, images, and stories that can engage students and improve classroom learning.

• Spring break provides opportunities to gather visual aids that capture student attention better than lectures alone
• Personal photos from places like the Alamo or experiences like holding a sloth create immediate student engagement
• Sharing vacation mishaps (like losing passports or falling in public) teaches students that everyone makes mistakes
• Real-world examples and personal stories create memorable learning moments students remember
• Visual elements help regain attention when students inevitably get distracted
• Even unplanned vacation experiences can become valuable classroom resources

Keep your mind open during spring break. Look for photos, stories, and objects that might enhance your teaching—but remember to enjoy your well-deserved time off too.