The welfare of our teachers is critical not only for their own health and quality of life but also for the success and wellbeing of our pupils. If our educators are overwhelmed, overworked, and exhausted, how can we expect them to effectively nurture and inspire the next generation? Research has shown a positive correlation between teacher wellbeing and student achievement. Happy, healthy teachers tend to be more effective in the classroom, fostering a positive learning environment and engaging students more successfully.
Prioritising teacher wellbeing is not just an act of compassion for those dedicated to the profession. It’s a strategic move that can contribute to the overall quality of education and the success of future generations. And that’s something we should all get behind.
Teaching is an incredibly hard job that too often goes without adequate public recognition and support. We must do more to support teachers' professional growth and their health, because quite simply, student success depends on teacher success
Healthy Habits for Teacher Personal Wellbeing
Here are some habits you can incorporate to give your wellbeing a boost:
Regular Exercise and Physical Activity
Incorporating regular physical activity into your routine is beneficial not just for your physical health but also for your mental health. Exercise helps release endorphins, the body’s natural mood lifters, which can keep stress and anxiety at bay, elements that are often prevalent in the teaching profession.
Regular exercise promotes better sleep and increases energy levels – critical factors when managing a busy classroom. Even a brisk walk during your lunch break can make a difference and provide a much-needed energy boost for the rest of the day.
Mindful Eating
As a teacher, it’s easy to overlook personal dietary needs while managing classroom activities and marking work. However, mindful eating, which involves paying attention to what and how you eat, can significantly impact your wellbeing and your performance in the classroom.
Mindful eating involves eating slowly, savouring each bite, and listening to your body’s hunger and fullness cues. It can help prevent overeating, promote a healthier relationship with food, and steady your energy levels throughout the teaching day.
Adequate Rest and Sleep
Teaching is an intellectually and emotionally demanding job. Getting enough sleep is not a luxury, it’s a necessity for overall health and wellbeing. The ‘reset’ button can help you maintain your patience, creativity, and enthusiasm in the classroom.
Quality sleep doesn’t just happen; it only happens intentionally. Maintain a regular sleep schedule, create a sleep-friendly environment, and limit screen time before bed. Quality sleep can help you wake up refreshed, alert, and ready to tackle another day of inspiring young minds.
Mindfulness and Meditation
Amid the whirlwind of planning, teaching, marking, and meetings, teachers often find little time to pause and connect with their feelings and needs. However, practising mindfulness, even in small doses, can help manage stress, improve focus, and promote mental wellbeing.
Whether taking a few minutes each day to focus on your breath, being fully present while sipping your morning coffee, or incorporating short meditation sessions into your routine, mindfulness can be a powerful tool for preserving and enhancing your wellbeing as a teacher. In doing so, you’ll be caring for yourself and modelling essential self-care practices for your students.
Embracing Gratitude
Embracing gratitude is an important strategy for enhancing wellbeing, fostering positivity, and promoting happiness. As a teacher, you face numerous daily challenges, and it can be easy to focus on what went wrong or what could have been better. However, shifting your focus towards the positive aspects and things you are grateful for can significantly affect your outlook and wellbeing.
Research supports the power of gratitude in promoting happiness. A study found that individuals who kept gratitude journals, where they regularly noted down things they were grateful for, reported higher levels of life satisfaction and lower levels of negative emotions. They were also more likely to engage in healthy behaviours such as exercise.
Supporting Teacher Wellbeing in Schools
Schools can support teacher wellbeing by creating a positive school culture, providing resources for self-care, and encouraging open communication about stress and wellbeing.
Sensible Marking Policies
One practical step schools can take is to implement sensible marking policies. It could involve using whole class feedback, offering strategies for efficient marking such as verbal feedback, or using self-and peer-assessment techniques and reviewing current policies. The goal is to help teachers manage their workload effectively and avoid the need to take marking home every evening supporting a better healthy work-life balance.
Email Protocols
Another strategy could be setting up email protocols that respect teachers’ personal time. For instance, an email policy could be put in place which stipulates that work-related emails should only be sent within designated working hours and not expected to be responded to outside of these hours. It helps establish boundaries and protect the personal time of teaching staff.
Well Structured Timetables
Timetabling is another aspect that can significantly influence teacher wellbeing. Schools should strive to ensure that timetables are structured to provide teachers sufficient time for breaks, allowing them to rest, grab a cup of tea, or even visit the bathroom. These minor considerations can significantly enhance the daily work experience for teachers.
Create a ‘No is Okay’ Culture
Foster a culture where teachers feel safe to say ‘no’ when asked to take on tasks that may adversely impact their workload or personal life. Encourage open communication about workload management and respect teachers’ decisions about what they can realistically handle.
Regular Wellbeing Surveys
Consider implementing regular (for example termly) anonymous wellbeing surveys. These surveys provide a platform for teachers to voice their thoughts, feelings, and experiences regarding wellbeing in the workplace. However, these surveys only contribute to positive change if the feedback is taken seriously and acted upon. Schools must be committed to analysing the feedback and implementing changes where needed, showing teachers that their wellbeing truly matters.
Professional Development Opportunities
Continuous learning and professional development can help teachers feel valued, more confident and competent, leading to increased wellbeing.
Appreciation
Showing appreciation for the hard work and dedication of teachers and leaders doesn’t require grand gestures; it starts with simply noticing their efforts. School leaders, whether senior or middle, should actively engage with their staff, recognise their contributions and celebrate their achievements. A heartfelt thank you can be more meaningful than cake in the staff room, (although everyone appreciates a treat now and then). Leaders can take the time to genuinely acknowledge the smaller details that contribute to the larger success. Similarly, teachers should also recognise and appreciate the efforts of their school leaders.
Ensuring teacher wellbeing is essential not just for the teachers themselves but also for the students they educate. By adopting healthy habits and creating a supportive work environment, we can enhance teacher wellbeing and, in turn, positively impact our education system, and our children’s futures.
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