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Teacher Wellness & Self-Care
Teacher wellness and self-care are finally becoming a priority. We know that teacher burnout is real! Many are leaving the profession because of high levels of stress. Fortunately, teachers realize their need for self-care. Articles and professional development opportunities are available about teacher wellness and self-care. One of my goals and priorities is to promote the importance of teacher wellness for educators. Here I will provide a few resources for you to check out.
Books and Articles
Books and articles are available about teacher wellness and self-care. The book titled, Teach and Take Time for You: Strategies and Tips to Reduce Stress and Burnout is a great, easy read. The author, Cassandra Washington list strategies that you can implement professionally and personally. She also walks the reader through creating a personal stress management plan. Also, Cassandra offers professional development for educators on developing self-care and stress management plans.
Many articles and written resources are now available, too. The Association of American Educators devotes an entire section on its website to self-care. The page Taking Care of Yourself: Resources to Help with Self-Care provides links to organizations, associations, and articles. The Mindful Teachers website includes mindfulness tips to use personally and in the classroom. It gives suggestions on how to address anger, relaxation tips, and more. You can also access a self-care video on the Learners Edge website.
Professional Development
According to the article, Self-Care: A Missing Component in Teacher Development, professional development about teacher wellness is considered a soft topic. It’s because many think teachers’ health and wellness doesn’t directly affect curriculum, instruction, and students’ academic success. Well, educators know that train of thought isn’t correct. Healthy and well teachers create an engaging level of energy in their classrooms. However, more companies and individuals now offer workshops and conference about teacher self-care and wellness.
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Recently, I attended the Teacher Self-Care Conference in Atlanta. Francesca Warren of the Educators Room founded it. Presenters and participants from across the United States and Canada spent two days, June 15-16, 2018 learning and discussing the effects of stress and burnout. Over 200 participants and over 30 presenters represented educators at various stages in their careers. New and experienced teachers shared their experiences around depressions, stress, health issues, and successes. It was an excellent time to spend with a wonderful group of educators.
You’re Not Alone
It is a fact that teacher wellness is an area of concern. Many districts lose teachers faster than they can replace them. Professional development, conferences, and resources about teacher self-care should not be a soft topic. These outlets are necessary because teachers need a safe place to focus on their well being. Furthermore, educators need opportunities to network with their peers about self-care. They need to know that they are not alone.
If you are suffering from stress or burnout, you are not alone. It’s okay to seek out professional support or counseling to get through a tough spot. Remember, your health and wellness comes first.
Resources
Association of American Educators
Taking Care of Yourself: Resources to Help with Self Care
Mindful Teachers: Self-Care Resources
http://www.mindfulteachers.org/p/self-care-resources.html
Self-care: A Missing Component of Teacher Development
April 6, 2015, by Jolon McNeil
Teacher Self-Care Conference
Self-Care for Teachers Video by Learners Edge
http://www.learnersedgeinc.com/blog/self-care-for-teachers
This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link a small commission maybe paid.