In the vital discussion about social and emotional learning for students, there's an equally critical conversation that sometimes receives less attention: the well-being of school staff. The educators who have shouldered an exceptional burden this past academic year need our support now more than ever.
Stress, long recognized as a significant factor in teachers leaving the profession, has been exacerbated by the demands of recent times. The February 2021 RAND Report pointed out that stress was already the leading cause of teachers exiting the profession before the pandemic hit. Given that teachers are central to student success, their well-being is not optional; it's essential.
Here are seven straightforward yet effective strategies to support your teachers’ well-being:
Celebrate and Affirm: Recognition goes a long way. Take time to acknowledge your staff's efforts with personalized notes or shout-outs during meetings.
Rethink Meetings: Transform staff meetings by focusing on professional development and collaboration, keeping administrative details to emails or recorded messages.
Ask for Input: Engage with your teachers through brief, focused surveys on topics that matter, demonstrating that you value their perspectives.
Be Present: Join teachers in professional development sessions to show that you value their growth and time.
Foster Reflection: Encourage teachers to reflect on their practice through coaching conversations. Support them in utilizing their insights for future growth.
Encourage Downtime: Inspired by principal Gerry Brooks, give teachers a 'light switch' prop as a physical reminder to occasionally disconnect from work and rejuvenate.
Equip with Resources: Invest in training and tools that support teacher well-being, understanding that this is an investment in the entire school community.
As school leaders, it's equally important to apply these strategies to ourselves. Reflect on your administrative duties using Stephen Covey's important vs. urgent matrix. Strive to spend less time in the reactive Quadrant 1 and more in Quadrant 2, where strategic planning and community building lie.
Investing in the social and emotional health of your staff isn't just a duty—it's a commitment to the heart of your school's community. By taking care of our educators, we create a supportive, thriving environment where both students and staff can reach their full potential.
Remember, a school thrives when its teachers are nurtured. Let’s commit to ensuring the educators who invest daily in our children's futures have the support they need to continue their invaluable work.
This post draws upon research and content provided by the Van Andel Institute for Education.
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