Understanding teacher wellbeing
It’s easy to overlook teacher wellbeing, but focusing on it is more crucial than we might think. When we delve into the topic, common issues like stress, burn out, and isolation come to mind.
If you work in the education sector, the “burn out syndrome” probably has come up in conversation. It is known that teachers are facing high levels of stress due to the pressure society puts on them, but especially parents and some school leaders. Burn out, according to Bakioğlu and Kiraz (2019), in their article Burnout and wellbeing of teacher candidates: The mediator role of cynicism, can manifest through physical, emotional, or behavioral symptoms such as chronic fatigue, loss of energy, sleep disturbances, lack of motivation, decreased self-esteem, anxiety, and feelings of helplessness.
Wellbeing encompasses a range of definitions, including life purpose, satisfaction, and positive emotions. Granziera, Collie, and Martin (2021) define wellbeing as a multidimensional concept involving positive evaluations and healthy functioning in the work environment. This highlights that wellbeing is about creating a healthy and functional environment that enables individuals to lead fulfilling lives.
Why is wellbeing important?
Teachers are in constant interaction with students, and their wellbeing directly impacts the classroom atmosphere. This is where Social Emotional Learning (SEL) comes into play. Teachers who are stressed or burntout often struggle with their student relationships, leading to poorer learning outcomes.
The wellbeing of teachers significantly influences schools, educators, and students. The negative effects of poor wellbeing, such as stress and burnout, are well-known and linked to high turnover rates and the global challenge of teacher retention and recruitment. As Falecki & Mann (2021) state in Practical Applications for Building Teacher WellBeing in Education, “teacher wellbeing is not just an individual’s responsibility, but it is a shared organisational, community, and worldwide concern.”
Is it possible for teachers to thrive in a school environment?
Martin Seligman’s PERMA model (2018) offers a framework that schools can use to foster teacher wellbeing. This model includes five key elements: positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment.
The positive emotions include feelings like satisfaction, awe, joy, and contentment. Engagement involves being fully absorbed in an activity and the environment. The relationships factor focuses on the quality and quantity of social connections within and outside our immediate circle. Meaning emphasises the significance of having a sense of purpose in life. Finally, accomplishment is rooted in the sense of achievement and progress towards goals.
When schools prioritise wellbeing, they create a better classroom climate and achieve improved learning outcomes. Both teachers and students need an environment where they can flourish and reach their full potential.
Teachers also need to focus on their own wellbeing. If you’re an educator feeling the strain of stress and burnout, there are steps you can take to thrive in your school environment. Beyond the obvious actions like exercising, eating healthily, and getting enough sleep, consider these strategies:
- Set boundaries regarding your workload.
- Develop coping skills.
- Engage in professional development by building a teacher network or having a teacher buddy for support.
- Balance your school identity with your personal identity.
What can schools do to support teacher wellbeing?
Schools play a pivotal role in enhancing teacher wellbeing by considering how the environment, interactions, and actions of teachers influence their health. Each school can develop unique strategies to support teacher wellbeing and address their specific needs. Initiating a discussion on defining and promoting wellbeing is a crucial first step. Here are some actions schools can take to transform the school environment:
- Promote professional development.
- Discuss work-life balance and manage workload effectively.
- Ensure teachers feel appreciated and rewarded for their hard work.
- Provide continuous support through regular feedback and mentorship throughout the year.
- Implement mentoring programmes, especially for new teachers.
- Support teachers during parent-teacher conferences, ensuring they feel backed up.
Overall, fostering teacher wellbeing is a shared responsibility that benefits everyone in the educational system. When schools prioritise wellbeing, they can create a thriving environment for both teachers and students, leading to a more positive and effective learning experience. If you are seeking to evaluate your school staff wellbeing, you can sign up to our Best School to Work programme. This initiative focuses on improving teacher well-being by promoting a healthy school culture, as creating an environment where everyone can flourish is crucial.
