Across the country, teachers experience stress and burnout. According to Lily Jones of Forbes Magazine, “Districts all around the country struggle with teacher retention and recruitment. On top of that, teachers often report feeling burned out and overworked. Prioritizing teacher wellness can help with these issues. It might even lead to increased student achievement, too.
The health of teachers affects what goes on in the classrooms. The article, There’s Lots of Social-Emotional Support for Students, but Not for Teachers. Here Are Some Programs Looking to Change states that “The whole idea of teacher well-being and that teachers’ social-emotional competencies influence what they do in the classroom is relatively new, which is just mind-blowing,” said Kimberly Schonert-Reichl, a professor at the University of British Columbia who studies social-emotional learning. “Of course teachers’ moods and well-being affect how they teach.”
Think about this statement and your staff members. If a teacher is not feeling well or in a bad mood, the students probably won’t have a good learning day. An unhealthy teacher cannot provide the best instruction in the classroom. Mentally exhausted teachers cannot give 100% despite the best lesson plans, differentiated instruction, etc.
Building Relationships
As a principal, how can you support teacher wellness? The first of five ways to support teacher wellness is to build relationships with your staff. Learn about who they are personally and professionally. Talk to them about their aspirations. Ask them what makes them happy, and what are their personal attributes. Lastly, be observant of their actions and reactions.
You do these things not to be nosey, but to find out more about them as staff members, co-workers and a part of the team. Meanwhile, in the process, they will learn more about you as an administrator and a real person. It’s not only building a relationship but mutual respect as educators.
Wellness Checks
Sometimes, people want to know that you recognize them and how they are feeling. How often do you ask your staff this simple question, “How are you?” When you ask the question do you actually listen to their response or is it quick and in passing? In other words, do you mean it when you ask?
A wellness check is a simple way to support teacher wellness. Teachers may need additional support and assistance in their classrooms. Ask what they need to help them more successful in their instruction. Also, each morning or doing your rounds greet your staff members. It is a great way to gauge the temperature of personalities and moods in the building. Occasionally, meet with teachers individually to check on their wellness. If a teacher is struggling or not having a good day, find a way to give him or her a break or possibly a day off if needed.
Fewer Directives
Everyone in the school building is inundated with directives, mandates, projects, etc. These are coming from the district and school level. It becomes overwhelming for you and teachers. Support teacher wellness by limiting the number of directives at the school level.
As a principal, you want to cover as much territory as possible by setting school improvement or SMART goals. You create a list of goals, directives, projects, and mandates. Instead of a list, set and implement two or three goals for the school year. These goals are specific to your school and the needs of your stakeholders. Sometimes, you’re trying to do too much and it puts undue pressure on the staff.
Social Outings
Support teacher wellness by doing a monthly get together outside of the school. Perhaps on Fridays go out for dinner, bowling or a movie. Try a spa day with some staff members. Bring massage therapist to the school to give 10-minute massages.
Social outings are also a great way to build relationships. Additionally, it is a fantastic way to celebrate and support your teachers. Start planning a social outing for your staff. In the beginning you may not get many participants; however, it will catch on and more will come. Survey the staff to learn their interests and go from there.
Create a Quiet Space
Create a quiet space in your school building for teachers. It’s a unique way to support teacher wellness. If you have space available in your building, create a quiet space for staff to decompress. You’re probably thinking that that’s what the teachers’ lounge is for. No, a quiet space is different.
Find a space away from the lounge, copier machines, and telephones. Put in some comfy chairs, a sofa, and some magazines. You can even have teachers decorate quiet space. It is a space where they can go, relax, and decompress. The quiet space is a non-judgemental, no complaining, stress-free zone.
Closing
Five ways to support teacher wellness includes building relationships, wellness checks, fewer directives, social outings, and creating a quiet space. Choose a couple of these ideas to try in your school building. Start slow and build upon what works. Remember to survey your staff to gauge what works well and what needs improvement. Lastly, Teacher will recognize your support for their wellness and will show their appreciation.
Resources
Can Focusing On Teacher Wellness Increase Student Achievement by Lily Jones https://www.forbes.com/sites/lilyjones/2018/08/04
There’s Lots of Social Emotional Support for Teachers but not for Teachers. Here are Some Programs Looking to Change That
We Need to Support the Mental Health and Wellness of Teachers by Danna Thomas
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