Summer means the New York Times

What do I think of when I think of summer? Exploration. Time to travel a bit, reflect, refuel-- and read what I only fantasize about during the school year--The New York Times. Okay, you caught me. If you have been reading my blog for a while you will realize that I often reference articles from the Times even during the school year. That's true. I often peruse the paper and a few other sites looking for pertinent information and interesting takes on subjects of political interest.

But lately, I have been following the blackout in Queens, where I once lived, but haven't for quite some time--during the school year--old neighborhood--no time. Today I read a fascinating article about niche farming of exotic livestock in the New York area. During school year--not on radar screen. Last week I read about the lost art of drawing by the common man as a metaphor for the speed of modern life--during school year--frivolous. I have had time to read about all sorts of fascinating tidbits of life that fill-out this rich newspaper.

The Times is just the most obvious, well-known example of what summer means to a teacher with a wide range of intellectual curiosities and interests. To be a really good, dedicated teacher, you have to, well, dedicate an enormous amount of time and energy to the students, the grading and the course material at hand. But to be an intellectual, broadminded citizen of the world, you have to have time to take-in and absorb a wide array of information. It keeps your mind fresh, awake and, in the end, makes you a better teacher.