Bridge the gap between gratitude and action with eLuma’s best practices for maintaining mental well-being.
As we gear up for Teacher Appreciation Week, it’s a perfect time to reflect on what genuine appreciation looks like for educators. Sure, saying “thank you” is nice, but let’s be honest, with everything on our educator’s plates, it’s not enough.
Teachers are often the unsung heroes of our communities, making sure every student has the chance to reach their full potential. They’re not just teaching subjects – they’re shaping minds, hearts, and futures.
Teachers Need More Than Thanks
That said, it’s no surprise that our K-12 teachers experience the highest burnout rate in the United States. They commit an average of 53 hours per week to this calling, a dedication that often means sacrificing personal time typically used for friends, family, and self-care routines. This challenge isn’t unique to teachers, either – everyone in the school system, including special education staff and administrators, experiences this strain.
Our mission at eLuma is all about building brighter futures for every student, and teachers are at the heart of that mission. That’s why we’re committed to supporting them in every way possible.
When we say, “Teacher Appreciation is more than just a Thank You,” we really mean it. Appreciating teachers is about recognizing the complex issues they face daily and giving them the support and solutions they need to tackle challenges head-on.
A member of the eLuma team and long-time educator offered her advice for current teachers:
“You have to put yourself first. If you don’t take care of yourself and your own well-being, you won’t be able to help your students grow to be the best humans that they can be. Whether it’s your mental or physical health, it needs to be a priority. The phrase “you can’t fill from an empty cup” is so relatable-what more can you give when you have nothing left?”
– Liz C., former Severe Needs Special Education Teacher
Mental Well-being Strategies for Teachers
So, how can we ensure that teachers are managing stress and taking care of their mental health?
Leslie Cole, K-12 Educational Consultant, MTSS Expert, and Former School Administrator, recommends these five best practices to prevent burnout and prioritize mental well-being in the teaching profession:
- Prioritize Self-Care: Teachers can better support their students’ academic and emotional needs and create a healthier learning environment by taking care of themselves. That includes engaging in activities that promote relaxation and rejuvenation, such as exercise, meditation, yoga, or simply spending time outdoors. Make time for hobbies and interests outside of work to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
- Set Boundaries: It’s crucial for teachers to establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. This means learning to say no to additional responsibilities that may encroach on personal time and ensuring that work-related tasks stay within designated hours.
- Seek Support: Connect with colleagues, friends, and family members (even furry ones!) for support and a listening ear. Sharing experiences and seeking advice from fellow educators can provide invaluable perspective and emotional support. Don’t be afraid to seek professional support if needed.
- Engage in Professional Development: Seek opportunities for personal and professional growth, such as attending workshops or webinars. Continuous learning can help you develop new skills and strategies to better manage stress and challenges in the classroom.
- Advocate for support systems: Work with school administrators and policymakers to advocate for resources, policies, and programs that promote teacher well-being and address issues related to stress and burnout in the teaching profession.
- Practice Mindfulness: Incorporating mindfulness techniques into daily routines can help teachers manage stress and stay grounded amidst chaos. Whether it’s through meditation, deep breathing exercises, or just going on a walk, taking moments of mindfulness can make a significant difference in mental well-being.
These strategies are helpful during the school day as well and can be incorporated into your classroom’s daily routine to support not only your own well-being, but also that of your students!
Strategies for Administrators to Support Teacher Well-being
By prioritizing the well-being of teachers and students and implementing evidence-based strategies to support their mental health, we can create a more sustainable and fulfilling classroom experience for educators and ultimately enhance student success.
Administrators play a critical role in ensuring teachers can practice and maintain the best practices mentioned above. Brandy Samuell, Crisis Intervention Expert, Former School Administrator, and eLuma’s Director of K-12 Mental Health and Related Services, recommends these tips for administrators to nurture a thriving school climate that’s supportive of teacher’s mental well-being:
- Support Teacher Growth and Engagement: Providers like eLuma can customize professional development to best support the needs of your staff. These training sessions can equip educators with strategies to address diverse challenges effectively, empowering students to thrive mentally, emotionally, and socially.
- Foster a Supportive Community: Cultivate a culture of support within the school community where teachers feel comfortable seeking help and discussing mental health openly. Recognize and appreciate staff achievements, no matter how small they may seem.
- Reduce Administrative Burdens: Establish a robust mental health support system within the school, including access to counselors, psychologists, and other mental health professionals. We collaborate with schools to integrate mental health services seamlessly into the school’s framework, providing timely interventions and support for students in need.
- Encourage Collaboration: Foster collaboration among staff members by providing opportunities for networking and sharing best practices in promoting mental wellness within the school community.
At eLuma, we support educators nationwide, ensuring they have what they need to keep going strong. This Teacher Appreciation Week, let’s commit to honoring the invaluable contributions of our educators and fostering a culture of support and appreciation in our schools!
A Mission to Support School Mental Well-being
eLuma is committed to building a more compassionate educational environment through our end-to-end student services. We believe that by working together, we can create a culture where every student feels valued and empowered in their journey to well-being.
Our tailored solutions are designed to meet each school community’s unique needs and contribute to nurturing a thriving school culture and climate. Through services such as universal screening, teletherapy, tiered intervention, social work services, caregiver training, and consultative support, we actively support schools in fostering an environment where students feel valued and empowered. By addressing the diverse needs of students and promoting mental wellness, our solutions play a vital role in creating a positive school climate conducive to learning, growth, and teaching!
As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, let’s join forces to ensure that teachers feel valued, empowered, and equipped to continue creating brighter futures for our students.
