I always say that as a teacher, I get paid to learn new things. Doing my job well requires me to continually learn and explore the ever-expanding field of science. It is a challenge and a privilege.
Unfortunately, I don’t really have time to keep current during the school year because I am busy planning lessons, teaching, grading, and doing the dozen other jobs I have during the school year.
So summer is when I do the bulk of my reading and learning. I will read three to four science books, go to the American Museum of Natural History, and attend professional development sessions. I am partly motivated by the desire to continually hone my craft, but mostly I am doing it because it’s fun.