As school year routines and habits are established, working to create a supportive and ongoing environment for student wellbeing is always a top priority. Additionally creating a supportive environment for teacher wellbeing is equally as crucial to fostering and maintaining a positive school culture. Below are some effective strategies to help ensure teachers are empowered and invested in.
- Collaborative Environments: Providing the opportunity for collaborative planning sessions and team-building activities helps to enhance relationships among staff and foster teamwork.
- Communication: Open and honest dialogue between all stakeholders ensures the opportunity to identify and address any potential concerns.
- Community Engagement: Encouraging involvement in school community activities helps to strengthen connections among all stakeholders and assists in the building of a sense of school pride.
- Feedback: Establishing opportunities for teachers to provide feedback about policies and practices can support their well-being and allow for new and fresh perspectives.
- Mentoring Programs: Pairing teachers with veteran teachers can provide opportunities for guidance, support, and provide a sense of belonging through non-evaluative relationships.
- Professional Development: Meaningful, purposeful, and actionable professional development that focuses on teaching skills in addition to self-care, stress management, and resilience help to support teachers.
- Recognition and Appreciation: Regularly acknowledging teachers for their efforts through awards, shout-outs, or simple thank-you notes may assist in boosting morale.
- Safe Spaces: Establishing designated areas throughout the school where teachers can take quick breaks, take a moment to relax, and recharge throughout the day are helpful.
- Wellness Resources: Providing access to confidential mental health resources, counseling, and wellness programs can be helpful. Additionally, providing onsite workshops on mindfulness and/or stress management allows for the modeling of using one’s resources.
- Work-Life Balance: Promoting policies and modeling behavior that encourage a healthy work-life balance, such as flexible scheduling, and/or respecting personal time are helpful.
By implementing these strategies, schools and their leaders can cultivate an environment where teachers feel valued, supported, and motivated. It is important for those who serve our children on the front lines to remember to take care of themselves first in order to take care of others.
About the Author
Dr. Bridget Amory holds a Doctoral Degree in Leadership and Innovation as well as a Master of Education in School Leadership and Instruction. With a background in educational leadership roles, Dr. Amory is currently the superintendent of Mildford School District and the Director of Student Learning.
