June 1, 2026
By Aleta Margolis, Founder and President
Summer is just over the horizon! It’s a wonderful time of year to rest, relax, recharge, and listen to the Inspired Summer ‘26 playlist! The Inspired Teaching team is sharing our picks for your listening pleasure.
Aleta
Simple Joys from the musical Pippin
The lyrics, “Sweet summer evening, sapphire skies…” conjure up awe-inspiring images of the deep blue nighttime skies. On some summer nights, if you’re lucky, you might get to see a shooting star – as I did this past summer. We’ve taught teachers to inspire students with Dacher Keltner’s 7 types of awe: one of which is nature, and one of which is music. This song offers a connection to both.
Summer, the album, George Winston
In college I was in a dance company, and a number of our dances were set to George Winston’s music. Winston uses instrumental music to tell the stories of the seasons, including vibrant, sunny summer. As teachers, we expand our students’ view of the world when we offer them multiple ways of expressing a concept. While many of us would describe the seasons using written or spoken words, or perhaps drawing, Winston speaks vividly about summer using the language of piano music.
Love Shack, The B52s
Love Shack. That’s where it’s at! What more is there to say?
Jenna
Lullaby for a Stormy Night, Vienna Teng
While not a peppy summer song, this one speaks to the summer thunderstorms that are ubiquitous where I live. I love how the lyrics reference the way we grow and change over time and how experience helps us turn fear into understanding.
Colors, Black Pumas
Down the hill from my house, there is a park along the Potomac River where people have parties all summer long. This song captures the joy of seeing so many people celebrating joyfully, in so many different ways, all together.
A Little Bit of Love, Weezer
I can personally attest to the power of this song on an early morning walk (before the heat sets in) as the sun is coming up. Who couldn’t use a chorus in their ear, reminding them they’ve gotten through hard times before, and they can do it again?
Brady
Sweet Life, Frank Ocean
Right Here/Human Nature Remix, SWV
P.Y.T., Michael Jackson
These tracks remind me of childhood road trips, singing at the top of my lungs while driving down the interstate. They bring a calm, “floaty” vibe that perfectly captures what summer feels like to me: joyful, relaxing and full of extra time with loved ones.
Meag
Raindance, Jon Batiste
Jon Batiste is the embodiment of summer. This song fits right into that summertime feeling.
Cherry-Coloured Funk, True Blue This song is perfect for picnicking in the park while soaking up the sun!
Maria
Meet Me in the Woods, Lord Huron
I’ve been keeping in touch with a friend abroad in part by sharing songs, and I absolutely loved this one. And the feeling that comes from someone sharing something with you they think you’ll like it—and getting it right!
Dracula (JENNIE Remix), Tame Impala
I hear this one on clipped on Instagram all the time, and when I finally listened to the whole thing, really liked it.
Michelle
Twistin’ the Night Away, Sam Cooke
It’s a solid party anthem that is straightforwardly about having a good time—exactly what summer is about.
Hater’s Anthem, Infinity Song
Less straightforwardly about summer, but still about seizing the moment and not letting time slip by without putting effort into the things we want out of life (even if it’s summer!).
Kathryn
California Girls, Beach Boys means summertime to me.
Adonica
Why Love, Asake
The electric sound effect just hits the spot to spark movement and future memories.
Mamma Mia, Lily James
It’s such a playful summer romance song, Mamma Mia is one of my favorite movies. This song just throws me into a singing fest every time.
Right Here Right Now, Jill Scott
The song just reminds me to always keep my heart open and be present in the moment, especially during the summer.
Soft Spot, JMSN & Sada Baby
This song just makes me want to get up and dance like no one’s watching.
Elizabeth
We Go Together, Grease
This song especially makes me think of summers in high school – and not only because I’m always looking for opportunities to mention I went to Radnor High School, which helped inspire the movie. One year for Relay For Life, which was always in the late spring, my group of friends all got quotes from this song on our matching T-shirts while we camped out on the football field overnight.
Hooray For Monday is an award-winning weekly publication of Center for Inspired Teaching, a social change nonprofit organization that champions the power of curiosity and is dedicated to transforming the school experience from compliance-based to engagement-based. Inspired Teaching provides transformative, improvisation-based professional learning for teachers that is 100% engaging – intellectually, emotionally, and physically.
