From overcrowded classrooms to a jump in student misbehavior since the pandemic, teachers have their hands full with managing the increasing load of demands in the K-12 landscape. Unfortunately, these stressors aren’t staying in school.
Recent research from The Pew Research Center shows startling statistics regarding the state of work-life balance for teachers. Most of the respondents (54%) agree that it is difficult for them to achieve a work-life balance. Meanwhile, only 26% agree the process is easy, of which 6% describe it as “very easy.”
With so many stressors from the work compounded by the difficulties most teachers face to achieve a work-life balance, it’s no wonder why there is currently a teacher shortage.
This then begs the question: How can school principals encourage a healthy work-life balance for their teachers?
Flexible Scheduling Options
Schools can explore the possibility of flexible scheduling options not only to support work-life balance but also to increase teacher retention.
Part-Time Opportunities
Part-time roles are one such option to consider. Although not traditional for K-12 teaching roles, they are a great way for teachers to stay active when needed on school grounds with the additional flexibility of attending to other personal needs—whether it be family obligations or further studies.
Staggered Start Times
On top of managing their classrooms, many families manage their own families as well. For these teachers, it may be helpful to stagger start times. This way, teachers with pressing responsibilities (such as tending to their own children or traveling a considerable distance for work) can do so within a schedule that complements their personal lives while also being sustainable.
Remote Work
Technology is a great tool for streamlining work, especially when some tasks (such as administrative ones) can be completed from home. Teachers with the option to teach virtually may also feel less stress as this can help them have a better grasp of their schedule and responsibilities. However, this may have to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis as schools focus on in-person learning for students to prevent absenteeism.
Mental Health Support Programs
A weak work-life balance takes a toll on a person’s mental health. Thus, it’s important to take a holistic approach when supporting teachers and include mental health support.
Counseling Partnerships
Offering counseling services is a great way to help teachers feel seen and reported. Look into the local community, or even remote offerings, to find counselors willing to form a partnership for discounted mental health care.
Peer Support Groups
Sometimes teachers just need a way to express their frustrations. Create a safe space for teachers to meet with each other to share their experiences and offer support to one another. Implement mindfulness practices (such as meditation or yoga) into these meetings to ensure they end on a positive note.
Stress Management
The teaching profession is a stressful one, but it can still be a shock for new teachers coming into the field and witnessing the current struggles the K-12 sector is facing. Seasoned teachers may be used to some stressors, but they can still build up over time and become overwhelming. To ensure teachers can handle multiple stressors, stress management workshops should be designed to offer tangible and actionable advice for time management and conflict resolution. These workshops can also provide coping strategies that teachers can implement in their daily routines.
Teacher Well-Being as a Necessity
Creating a school culture that encourages a healthy work-life balance for teachers is not just a strategy for retention—it’s a necessity for teacher well-being and the success of the school community. By offering flexible scheduling options, mental health support, and stress management resources, school principals can create an environment where educators can thrive.
