Reflecting and Resetting: Your Summer Leadership Audit for School Leaders and Educators
- Mary Alexander
- Jun 5
- 2 min read
As the final bell rings and classrooms empty out, summer presents more than just a break—it’s an invitation.
For school leaders and educators, this time is golden. It’s a season not only for rest but for reflection, realignment, and renewal. A well-spent summer can lay the groundwork for a transformational school year.
Why a Leadership Audit?
The concept of a leadership audit isn’t about judgment. It’s about clarity. It’s a structured pause that helps you:
Celebrate wins 🎉
Identify areas of growth 🔍
Strategize forward-thinking changes 📈
This isn't about fixing everything at once. It’s about aligning your vision, actions, and energy for the greatest impact.
Step 1: Reflect on the Year Behind
Ask yourself (and your team, if possible):
What worked this year? What am I proud of?
Where did I feel resistance, burnout, or frustration?
How did I grow as a leader or educator?
How did my team/students grow under my leadership?
Tip: Revisit your calendar, meeting notes, or student outcomes for an honest recap.
Step 2: Review Systems and Routines
This is the time to examine the mechanics of your leadership:
Were meetings productive or just scheduled?
Did professional development feel relevant?
Are your communication channels clear and consistent?
Are your instructional systems (MTSS, curriculum mapping, etc.) functioning as intended?
Summer is the best time to fine-tune the tools, not build while flying.
Step 3: Reconnect to Your "Why"
Busyness often clouds purpose. This summer, revisit your “why”:
Why did I become a leader/educator?
What impact do I want to make next year?
What legacy am I building in my school or classroom?
Journaling, retreats, or even one-on-one reflection time can re-ignite purpose.
Step 4: Reset Your Priorities
Use the clarity from your reflection to reframe your priorities:
What must continue?
What can be delegated or dropped?
What new initiative or mindset do I want to lead with?
Consider hosting a Summer Leadership Retreat or Team Reset Session.
Step 5: Plan with Intent
Design your first 30–60 days of the new school year now:
How will you welcome staff and students?
What expectations will you model from Day 1?
What rhythm will sustain you and your team?
“Don’t just plan activities. Plan culture.” Start with what you want people to feel.
Summer Isn’t an Escape. It’s a Launchpad.
Yes, rest is vital. But when you pair rest with intentional reset, your leadership grows exponentially.
This summer, audit with grace, reset with clarity, and return with purpose.
Need Help Designing Your Summer Leadership Audit?
Our team at MENTOR specializes in customized leadership coaching, team retreats, and system audits for schools and districts. Reach out to schedule your Summer Reset Session today!
Comments