Burnout among teachers is all too common. In a report from Gallup, 44% of teachers agree that they are “always” or “very often” burned out from work. With so many teachers feeling overwhelmed by the pressure of the job, they are experiencing burnout at higher rates than most other professions. The level of burnout cannot be ignored as it can be a driving factor in attrition. A survey from the National Education Association (NEA) found that 55% of teachers were considering leaving the field earlier than they originally wanted. Without the proper support, the current teacher shortage may continue unresolved.
As school principals, it is crucial to ensure that teachers feel supported when they come to work despite the size of their workloads. Otherwise, we risk losing some of our most valued educators.
Teacher-Focused Mental Health
A strong way to keep teachers supported at work is to develop mental health practices that are tailored to your teachers’ needs.
It can be helpful for teachers to have a space on campus where they can go and address their struggles with a professional. Partnerships with licensed counselors can be a great way to fill this need as they can hold weekly office hours at the school. During times when counselors aren’t on campus, there can be designated spaces where teachers can go to decompress.
Hosting wellness workshops is another way to promote mental health among your teachers. Sessions that teachers can attend to practice mindfulness, stress management, or even yoga are great practices.
Of course, stressed teachers may need time away from school to fully decompress. For these cases, offering mental health days without stigma is an effective way to show them support.
Wellness Check-Ins
Teachers can sometimes struggle in silence due to fear of stigma or being unsure that they would be supported if they shared their honest feelings. Some may not even realize they are overwhelmed and would benefit from having someone check in with them.
In these cases, principals can encourage wellness check-ins for their educators. These meetings can be quick and with a goal of seeing how teachers are feeling about their current workload. These sessions are also a great way to discover what they need to feel more supported during times of stress.
By creating this non-judgmental space for teachers to share any issues, principals can help address the risk of burnout while building a culture of support.
Work-Life Balance Policies
Part of the stress that comes from the job can be due to the lack of a work-life balance. Teachers have to consider grading, lesson planning, and extracurricular responsibilities on top of managing lessons during the school day.
Thankfully, principals can be part of the solution by encouraging boundaries for work. Policies can be put into place that limit after-hours emails or calls so that teachers are encouraged to disconnect. Planning periods of professional development days are also great opportunities to allow teachers to work from home.
It is also crucial for principals to lead by example. If teachers see their leaders promoting work-life balance in their own lives, then the teacher can feel more encouraged to do the same.
A Culture of Care
Teacher burnout is a crisis that cannot be ignored, as it can heavily impact teacher retention. When teachers are given the tools and resources to prioritize their mental health, they are better equipped to manage the demands of the profession and bring their best selves to the classroom. By taking proactive steps to support educators, principals can play a pivotal role in reducing stress and fostering a culture of care.
