Closing Out The Year and SummerPD - PPD149

In Episode 149 of PodcastPD, host Chris Nesi flies solo to help educators wrap up the school year with intention and head into summer feeling empowered and inspired. From meaningful end-of-year classroom strategies to practical and rejuvenating summer professional development ideas, this episode is packed with actionable advice for teachers at any grade level.Chris shares seven thoughtful tips for closing out the school year—from celebrating student growth and collecting feedback, to documenting success and preparing your future self for the fall. He also outlines seven summer PD ideas, including books to read, tech tools to explore, conferences to attend, and the importance of simply resting and rediscovering your “why.” Whether you’re finishing the school year or planning your summer, this episode has something for every educator.Key Topics Discussed:7 end-of-year classroom wrap-up strategiesCelebrate growth beyond gradesStudent feedback surveysClassroom cleanup and organizationDocumenting student and professional successReflective teaching practicesRecognizing colleagues and collaboratorsWriting a message to your future self7 summer PD ideas to fuel your growthRead a professional or personal development bookTry a new edtech tool (ex: Canva, Padlet, MagicSchool)Attend conferences (ISTE, Edcamp NJ, ASCD, ACTE)Listen to educational podcasts (House of #EdTech, Education Podcast Network)Enroll in a course or earn micro-credentialsRedesign curriculum with UDL or SEL integrationTake time to relax, recharge, and rediscover your "why"Resources & Mentions:Edcamp New Jersey – August 14, 2025 at Monmouth UniversityHouse of #EdTech podcastStart with Why by Simon SinekEducation Podcast NetworkCanva for EducationPadlet