As teachers struggle throughout the school year balancing their life with the lives of their students, it can feel as though attaining a healthy work-life balance is impossible. This is far from the truth, though, as there are several measures that schools can implement to move in the right direction. It starts with creating a more self-care centric culture. Schools should cultivate a positive culture where educators feel valued, respected, supported, and heard. Teachers who feel supported and appreciated are more likely to be happy, engaged, and committed to their work. Furthermore, it’s crucial that teachers have a voice and can share their needs and opinions. No one knows what teachers need better than the teachers themselves. It’s then up to the schools in which these teachers are instructing to ensure that their teachers are receiving the care they deserve. That isn’t to undermine the need for individual self-care, though. In fact, that’s one of the most important parts of the equation. For more information about the ways in which teachers can prioritize self-care in such a way that creates some respite, practice the methods found in the resource paired alongside this post.
Check out Teacher Self-Care 101, provided by Curriculum Associates; an organization specializing in formative assessment strategies.
