Summer is here, and while most educators take a deep breath and embrace a well-earned break, school leaders often find their minds racing ahead to the next school year. As a principal or assistant principal, it’s easy to get caught up in planning for your staff and students—but what about your own growth? How are you investing in yourself this summer so you can lead even better next year?
The best leaders are learners first. If we want to build thriving school communities, we must model what it looks like to grow. Summer is the perfect time to reset, recharge, and engage in professional development that strengthens not just what we do, but who we are as leaders.
Here are three ways you can prioritize your own learning and growth this summer:
1. Attend a Conference that Pushes Your Thinking
Conferences aren’t just about sessions and keynotes; they’re about connections, conversations, and fresh ideas that challenge your perspective. Whether it’s a national education conference, a leadership summit, or a local workshop, be intentional about choosing one that stretches you. Of course, the TEPSA Summer Conference is the one we highly recommend!
And don’t just go and sit in sessions—engage. Ask questions, start discussions, and build relationships with people who inspire you. If you’re feeling extra bold, consider presenting! Sharing your experiences helps solidify your own learning while encouraging others in the process.
2. Join (or start) a Leadership Book Study
Reading is one of the easiest ways to grow, but it’s even more powerful when done in community. Choose a book that challenges your leadership style, expands your vision, or helps you tackle a specific area of growth. Some great options include The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon, Dare to Lead by Brené Brown, or even Building Authenticity: A Blueprint for the Leader Inside You (we might be biased, but it’s full of practical strategies!).
If your district doesn’t already have a leadership book study, start one! Invite a few colleagues to join, set a simple schedule, and commit to discussing key takeaways. The best professional development happens when we learn together.
3. Find a Mentor and Be a Mentor
No matter how experienced you are, you need people who challenge you to grow. Seek out a mentor—someone who has walked the path ahead of you and can offer wisdom, encouragement, and honest feedback. Reach out, schedule a coffee, and ask intentional questions.
But don’t stop there. Be a mentor to someone else. There are new leaders in your district or state who need guidance and encouragement. Investing in others not only strengthens them—it sharpens you. When we teach, we learn.
Growth Doesn’t Happen by Accident
Your personal and professional growth isn’t something that will happen just because summer rolls around. It takes intentionality. Prioritize your learning now so that when the new school year begins, you’re stepping in as a stronger, wiser, and more inspired leader.
Because here’s the truth—when you grow, your school grows. When you get better, everyone around you benefits. So, make the time, take the steps, and invest in YOU this summer. Your staff and students will thank you for it.
Todd Nesloney is TEPSA’s Director of Culture and Strategic Leadership. He is an award-winning educator, author and international speaker.
Ross Braun is a former elementary principal who is passionate about supporting schools and leaders to ensure every child has a safe, loving, and engaging learning environment. Ross is now the VP of Positive Education at Spring, Texas-based, School Life.
