Mental health Tips for Educators and Schools
- Ten tips to improve your mental health
- Key aspects when creating a Well Staffroom
The role of teachers today has expanded to include more duties than ever before. This includes the task of creating well-rounded, emotionally stable learners. Society expects teachers to parent and to teach, to discipline and to love, with little regard given to the emotional wellbeing of the most essential human resources in the educational system. It is no surprise, then, that this take a toll on their mental health.
Teachers everywhere are struggling to cope with the expanded demands made on their time and profession and this has, unfortunately, led to an outflux of teachers from the field. One way to make it better for the educators who are soldiering on is to provide them with personal and emotional support.
How to support the mental health of educators
1. Make mental health a priority
Mental health and wellbeing practices must be incorporated into your daily routine and, ideally, into the culture of the school.
2. Seek or develop resources, programmes and policies
Recognising the need for wellness resources is only the first step in solving the problem. It is only when an individual or school takes on the responsibility of seeking or developing such resources, and incorporating them into the culture of the institution, that a dent will be made in the overall wellbeing of the system.
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3. Have an attitude of gratitude
Teach with gratitude – for where you are and what you do. Create a gratitude journal and start documenting your gratefulness. Soon you will feel lighter and your eyes will shine brighter.
4. Keep learning
Create an embrace your network of professional learners. Who are professional learners, you may ask? They are the people you connect with to learn from, share ideas with and whose growth mindset is similar to yours. Your network of professional learners is your greatest resource.
5. Make sure you ‘fit’
There are few things less motivating that being in a position that is not suited to you. Different schools are unique in their cultures and policies. Find the one that suits you best.
6. Take care of your body
In keeping with the concept of holistic wellbeing, you should pay attention, in whatever small way, to your physical health. Keeping hydrated and challenging your step count are two of the simplest ways to start.
7. Find help if you need it
The mental health profession exists for a reason so there is no need to be the hero and struggle through it.
8. Avoid negativity
Keep away from, or set boundaries with, the people and situations which you recognise as ‘toxic’ and, at the same time, develop your own toolkit for dealing with such situations in future.
9. Have a life outside of teaching
Embrace your creativity or dive into a hobby as a side-line. Don’t stagnate.
10. Be kind to yourself
If you are feeling overwhelmed, chat with your school counsellor. This will help them understand you and offer support. Remember, a healthy relationship will have a positive influence on your learners.
By providing the emotional support our teachers need and deserve, we can help them grow professionally and live happier lives all while combating the teacher crisis in South Africa that is putting a strain on the entire education system.
How to support the mental health of teachers in a staffroom setting
Staffrooms are places of rest when taking a break from a busy teaching timetable. Utilising the space by creating a restful, comfortable oasis will allow your teachers to recharge and regroup before embarking on the next duty that calls.
What are the key aspects when creating a Well Staffroom?
– Comfort
In a large school, the staffroom seems to act as an airport departure lounge, with busy teachers coming and going all day. However, it does not have to look like one! Does your staffroom have rows of seating around the edge of the room? Instead, create more intimate zones for that will harvest friendships and good relationships.
– Security
Which of your staff members have no access to a departmental office where they can keep their personal things? Make your staff room lockable, ideally with a secure entry system, and provide lockers where your teachers can leave their bags, gadgets and other personal items.
– Refreshments
Besides the usual refreshment station with a kettle and a sink, try sourcing some feel-good mugs, a good supply of teaspoons and, depending on your budget, a toaster for the colder months.
Could a small budget be set aside to celebrate end-of-term with a Donut Day, or perhaps another snack? The possibilities are endless.
– Creating zones
Pick a random 30 minutes each day for a week and observe how different teachers use the staffroom. Some may come in essentially to catch up on their marking, others may come in only at break time for caffeine fix. You might find that senior teachers use the space differently from junior teachers. Perhaps teachers of a specific phase may have unique needs. Consider how you could create zones for each group and how you could utilise the space more productively. Here are some ideas:
- A creative zone with puzzles and games
- A reading zone with soft lighting and a comfortable armchair
- A chat zone with low chairs around a coffee table
- A work zone with desk space, a pc or two, and stationery supplies
- A recharge station for devices
If you are all out of ideas, why not share your observations at your next teacher meeting and invite your teachers to contribute ideas? In fact, if they enjoy a challenge, you could perhaps create staff collaboration (or competition?) where each group works within a set budget and timeframe to create a designated zone.
Remember, in keeping with your renewed mindset, try not to be tempted to use your entire staffroom as one giant work zone. Designate a single work zone where you can display noticeboards with targets and deadlines.
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