Leaders Need to Actively Address Teacher Wellbeing, Not Just Talk About Self-Care

Boxes of colorful sprinkled donuts and occasional stress-relief sessions have their place in school settings.

However, these offerings may create a false sense of improvement in teacher well-being, providing temporary self-care moments that might not address the underlying challenges faced by educators.

The pressures of teaching, combined with classroom overcrowding, heavy workloads, and the constant emotional and physical demands of students, can lead to distress, exhaustion, or burnout among teachers. Chase Mielke, an advocate for preventing teacher burnout, emphasizes that brief self-care interventions may not effectively address these deeper issues. He highlights the importance of tackling systemic challenges within the school environment.

School principals nationwide are moving beyond superficial wellness approaches, shifting the focus from individual self-care to broader systemic changes within educational institutions. The term “self-care” is losing its appeal among education leaders, like principal Mathew Portell, who express a desire for more meaningful strategies to support staff well-being.

Creating a culture that emphasizes collaboration and support is key to promoting educator well-being, according to school leaders from various states. This approach fosters a sense of ownership and empowerment among staff members, contributing to a positive and sustainable work environment.

Leaders from California to Maryland are actively working to transform school culture, emphasizing collaboration, support, and long-term sustainability.

Emphasize Teacher Well-Being

Evaluating teacher well-being is as crucial as monitoring student progress, according to educator Chase Mielke. Effective school leaders must consistently assess and respond to the emotional and professional needs of their teaching staff.

Comprehensive Feedback: Regular assessments of teacher well-being through surveys and personalized meetings can offer valuable insights for school leaders. Understanding the prevalent issues allows for targeted support and interventions to benefit educators.

Principal Ryan Daniel of Fort Foote Elementary School in Maryland engages in daily walks around the school to connect with staff members and offer timely support, prioritizing relationship-building as a means of enhancing well-being.

Addressing Basic Needs: Recognizing and meeting the fundamental needs of teachers, such as restroom breaks and meal times, is essential for creating a supportive work environment. Prioritizing these needs signals respect for educators’ well-being.

Implementing a “tap-in/tap-out” system for teachers to seek assistance and self-regulate during challenging moments has proven successful in enhancing teacher well-being at various schools.

Cultivate Found Time: Allowing teachers flexibility in their schedules and providing opportunities for unplanned downtime can alleviate the pressure of constant work demands. Creating space for personal well-being enhances overall job satisfaction.

Recognizing the value of time and autonomy for teachers, school leaders have implemented practices like prearranged substitute coverage plans and streamlined communication to support educators.

Enhance Communication: Encouraging open dialogue and offering support in parent-teacher interactions can reduce stress for educators. Collaborative problem-solving and constructive feedback foster a positive school community.

Prioritize Scalable Solutions: Embracing a mindset of simplification and subtraction in school operations can streamline processes and enhance overall efficiency. Identifying and eliminating unnecessary tasks can create a more manageable workload for teachers.

Respecting teachers as professionals and providing them with autonomy and trust can enhance job satisfaction and performance within educational settings.

“Teachers are professionals. They should be given autonomy and trust unless they prove otherwise.”

Erika Niles, principal of Green Trails Elementary School in Missouri

Foster Professionalism: Allowing flexibility in dress codes and professional development opportunities empowers educators to make choices aligned with their needs and preferences. Respect for teachers’ autonomy and expertise promotes a collaborative and supportive work environment.

Cultivate Teacher Growth: Offering personalized and flexible professional development options can enhance teacher engagement and improve student outcomes. Empowering teachers to direct their learning experience yields significant benefits for educational institutions.

Preserve Planning Time: Safeguarding dedicated planning periods and minimizing disruptions during these times can prevent teacher burnout and promote a healthy work-life balance. Creating structured opportunities for collaborative planning enhances teacher well-being and job satisfaction.

Empowering teachers through autonomy, flexibility, and support contributes to a positive and sustainable school environment.