The Elephant in the Room – Why Teacher Wellness Matters

The Elephant in the Room – Why Teacher Wellness Matters

Teachers are often the unsung heroes of our society. They go to work every day, tackling one of the most challenging and important jobs there is, and they do it with very little recognition. What if I told you that teacher wellness mattered just as much as student achievement? It might sound like an overstatement, but it’s not. When teachers are feeling good mentally and physically, they’re in a better position to help their students succeed. So what can we do to promote teacher wellness? Read on for some tips.

The statistics on teacher wellness and its impact

The statistics on teacher wellness are staggering. According to a recent study, nearly 60% of teachers reported feeling chronically fatigued, and over 70% said they experienced frequent physical symptoms of stress.

These numbers are especially troubling when you consider the impact that stress can have on our health. “Chronic stress has been linked to a variety of health problems, including back pain, heart disease, and depression”, notes a chiropractic care expert from Active Back Care. It’s no wonder that so many teachers are struggling to keep up with the demands of their job.

The link between teacher wellness and student success is clear. So why aren’t more schools doing something about it?

The problem, it seems, is that teacher wellness is often seen as a luxury, something that’s nice to have but not essential. The reality, however, is that teacher wellness is essential to the success of our students. When teachers are healthy and happy, their students thrive. It’s time for us to start taking teacher wellness seriously.

Why teacher wellness matters

“The average teacher works ten hours a day, including prep time, instructional time, and grading”, say professional tutors from Arrendell Secondary Education Centre.  With such a demanding job, it’s no wonder that teacher wellness is often neglected. However, there are several reasons why teacher wellness should be a priority. Here are three reasons why:

Teacher well-being directly affects student success.

When teachers are feeling stressed, burnt out, or otherwise unhealthy, it can have a direct impact on their student’s ability to learn and succeed. Studies have shown that when teachers are under stress, they’re more likely to make mistakes have difficulty concentrating, and be less patient with their students. On the other hand, when teachers are healthy and happy, they’re better able to create a positive learning environment for their students and help them reach their full potential.

Teacher wellness sets a good example for students.

As role models for their students, it’s important that teachers set a good example when it comes to taking care of themselves. When students see their teachers making healthy choices and prioritizing their own well-being, it can encourage them to do the same in their own lives. Additionally, by modelling healthy behaviour, teachers can help reduce the stigma around mental health issues and make it more acceptable for students to seek help when they need it.

What schools and districts can do to support their teachers

So, what can be done to support teachers and improve teacher wellness? Let’s take a look at a few key strategies that schools and districts can implement.

One of the best ways to combat teacher burnout is to encourage a healthy work-life balance. This means creating an environment where teachers feel like they have time for both their professional and personal lives. One way to do this is by providing flexible scheduling options. For example, some schools have implemented “late start” days where classes start later in the day so that teachers have time for professional development or personal errands in the morning hours.

Another way to support teacher wellness is to promote a culture of wellness within the school or district. This can be done in a number of ways such as offering health and wellness benefits, hosting wellness workshops, or even just having healthy snacks available in the teacher’s lounge. When teachers feel like their well-being is a priority, they are more likely to be engaged and effective in their jobs.

Employment and industrial relations experts from Close Consulting add that schools and districts have a responsibility to ensure that all of their employees feel supported. When employers invest in their teachers, everyone benefits. Everyone wins when schools invest in their teachers.

Ways to get help if you’re struggling with your own mental health

Photo by Cottonbro on Pexels

The demands of the teaching profession can be daunting and, at times, overwhelming. In addition to managing a classroom of students, teachers are also expected to maintain order, create lesson plans, and keep up with administrative tasks. It’s no wonder that so many teachers struggle with their mental health. The good news is that there are ways to get help if you’re struggling with your own mental health.

The first step is to reach out to your school’s administration or your local mental health organization. Many schools have programs in place to help teachers deal with stress and anxiety. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to your school administration, there are also many national organizations that offer support for teachers, such as The National Association of School Psychologists.

There are also a number of apps and online resources that can help you manage your mental health, such as calm.com or Headspace. The important thing is to reach out for help if you’re struggling. Don’t suffer in silence. There is help available if you need it.

Conclusion

It is evident that teacher wellness should be a top priority for school districts and individual teachers. When educators feel supported and have the tools they need to thrive, they can focus on their students and what truly matters in the classroom. Teacher wellness directly impacts student success, so let’s commit to making sure our teachers are taken care of. It’s time to address the elephant in the room.

Featured photo by Max Fischer on Pexels