Contributor Gene Miller,PhD. & Sharon HastingsEd.D., TeachThought Staff Addendum
How about some mental health advice for teachers?
Today, the role of teachers is expanding, taking on more duties and responsibilities than ever before, including developing emotionally strong and healthy students.
Yet society often ignores or even discusses the mental and emotional health of teachers themselves. This neglect leads to two major problems – teacher burnout and a lack of skilled teachers.
See 5 Mistakes I Made as a New Teacher
Given their expanded responsibilities, more and more educators are grappling with the changing demands of their profession. In a recent survey of more than 30,000 educators conducted by the American Federation of Teachers, more than 75% said they do not have enough staff to do their jobs, and 78% said they often feel physically and mentally exhausted at the end of the day.
The most cited reason why three quarters of teachers feel overworked and burned out is the introduction of new initiatives without appropriate training or professional development.
In terms of the workforce, not only did teacher education enrollment fall by 240,000 between 2009 and 2014 (a 35% decrease), but approximately 8% of teachers (including many well below the average retirement age) leave the workforce each year.
One way to curb this exodus and keep our nation’s best teachers in the classroom is to ensure they receive the personal support and development they need to stay healthy and happy in their personal and professional lives.
How to support teachers’ mental health
According to a recent University of Phoenix mental health survey, nearly one-third (31%) of U.S. adults surveyed cited social stigma as a barrier to receiving mental health care. This is a relevant and depressing statistic for the education industry, as many teachers may also share the view that seeking counseling signifies weakness or an inability to handle their workload.
The reality is that most high-performing teachers struggle with the demands of their job. In fact, this struggle causes more than 50% of people to burn out in less than five years. This is further evidence that our industry professionals have a vested interest in encouraging teachers to seek the help they need so they can be happier and more effective in their roles.
To provide our nation’s educators with the support they need, mental health resources such as professional counseling, continuing education programs, and health-oriented community efforts should be prioritized.
By making mental health care more accessible to educators, we can help them advance as professionals and individuals while working to eliminate the stigma often associated with seeking mental health treatment.
Some other mental health tips for teachers?
15 mental health tips for teachers
1. Make it a mental health priority
First and foremost, mental health and wellness best practices must be incorporated into training programs early in teacher education. The Commission on Higher Education and State Accreditation is leading the development of these plans to ensure mental health is a priority in our schools and that all teachers have access to the resources they need to succeed and stay healthy.
There is a reason Good teacher resigned.
2. Find or develop resources, programs and policies
District leaders also have a role to play in building a culture of mental health and wellness in schools across the country. As a second step, school systems need to invest in the mental, physical and social health of their most valuable assets: their teachers. By recognizing and rewarding teachers for everything they do (even the “little” things), encouraging the use of groups and consultation, and prioritizing mental health, administrators can have a huge positive impact on teachers’ lives.
3. Build “mental health” in your own mind in a healthy way
Don’t call it “mental health” if a phrase like “happiness” makes more sense.
4. Cultivate healthy PLN
a powerful Professional Learning Network– Inside and outside the school building.
5. In the right place
They feel comfortable with job placements that are the “right” fit for teachers in terms of position, grade level, school policies, etc. Not every job is right for everyone. Well-meaning people may advise you that “the kids need you,” but you have to take care of yourself or your teaching simply won’t last.
6. Set boundaries
Make the boundaries between school and home life as clear as possible.
7. Avoid poisoning
Avoid “toxic” things – people, departments, committees, events, etc. while developing strategies for handling other non-toxic but still challenging teaching situations
8. Emphasize your purpose
Remind yourself of your purpose as a teacher—why you became one. If you can’t achieve that vision, see if you can reconcile that vision with your current situation. If not, this will give you a hint of what might happen next.
9. Develop a growth mindset as a teacher
A growth mindset is important for students, but it’s also important for teachers.
10.Teach with a grateful heart
Whenever possible, teach with gratitude.
11. Start small if you can
Focus on the good things and try to have more good things instead of bad things every day. (This is a start.)
12. Also take good care of your body
Take care of your body: exercise, meditate, do yoga, get enough sleep, etc. Whatever makes your body feel good.
13. If you need help, ask for help
Don’t be a hero. If you need formal mental health support (in the form of therapy or medication), there’s no reason to hesitate. get it. Why wait until you are truly unhappy?
14. Enjoy life outside of teaching
Have a life outside of teaching—full of creativity, hope, people, and possibility. No matter how noble the doctrine, it is not worthy of your happiness.
15. Don’t feel trapped
If possible, never get “stuck” in a situation where you feel you “have” to teach or “can’t get out.” There is always a way forward. Whenever someone feels “stuck,” it can lead you to believe that your situation is worse than it actually is.
Teachers work every day to raise emotionally strong, healthy children and shape the next generation of leaders and change-makers. As the responsibilities of educators continue to grow rapidly, we must do everything we can to support their mental health. We must support the “whole teacher.”
By providing the emotional support our teachers desperately need and deserve, we can help them grow professionally and live happier lives, while addressing America’s teacher shortage, which is putting a strain on the entire education system.
Dr. Jean Miller is dean of the university’s Denver campus and Dr. Sharon Hastings is clinical director and director of the University of Phoenix Counseling Clinic; Developing the Whole Teacher: Mental Health in Education;13 mental health tips for teachers
