As a trainer with UnconstrainED, I constantly hear one big theme from educators: “I don’t have time to really dig into AI tools.” Between grading, planning, and meetings, it’s no surprise that most teachers feel like they’re just trying to squeeze AI exploration onto an already packed to-do list. Many educators I talk to feel like they’re just playing catch-up with AI. But here’s what I’ve learned: when you’re rushing to fit AI into your workflow, you miss out on the real magic, the part where you get to discover how AI can transform the teaching and learning in your classroom.  The teachers I work with are some of the most thoughtful, reflective people I know, and they are all natural learners who never really stop. You’re not falling behind some imaginary AI curve. You’re doing something much harder. You’re figuring out how to use transformative technology to actually serve your students better. That takes time and the kind of deep thinking that only comes when you have space to breathe and explore.

For some educators, summer is a time to fully disconnect from work, and that’s not only okay, it’s important. Prioritizing rest and self-care is essential. But here’s what I also know about educators from 13 years in the classroom: you’re lifelong learners. The truth is, most educators will end up doing some work this summer. Not because they have to, but because learning and growing are intrinsic to our roles. You’ll reorganize your classroom supplies, refresh a unit that’s been bugging you, or dive into a book that sparks new ideas. It’s not about being unable to rest, it’s about finding genuine joy in getting better at what you do.

What if this summer became less about cramming in more AI tools and more about finding the right ones? This is why summer can be such a gift for educators. Not because you have to use it for work, but because it’s finally a chance to learn something new without the pressure of implementing it tomorrow. You can finally explore without seventeen other urgent tasks competing for your attention. Instead of overwhelming yourself with every shiny new AI tool that pops up in your inbox, what if you just picked one or two things to explore? Maybe it’s finally setting up that chatbot everyone’s been talking about while you’re revising your syllabus. Or testing out a new lesson planning tool when you’re already in that headspace. Or spending fifteen minutes exploring something that might help you give better feedback to students. 

I’ve put together a little resource to help you begin your exploring. You can think of it as a summer sampler of AI tools. There are educator-facing tools that might streamline your behind-the-scenes work, and student-facing ones that could spark more engagement and productive struggle in your classroom. Download it and browse it when you’re lounging somewhere with good Wi-Fi. Whether you’re on a beach, in your backyard, or finally have five minutes of mental quiet, let this be the space where inspiration strikes, not because you have to, but because you want to. Sometimes the smallest steps forward are the ones that shape the year ahead.