Many teachers will recognise the need to promote wellbeing in their teenage classrooms. After all, teaching this age group is about much more than just covering the syllabus. Here, we cover the importance of assessing and supporting teacher wellbeing too, a topic that is sometimes overlooked.
There are numerous external factors that can come into play and influence whether a lesson is successful or not. For example, it could be that two friends have had an argument and no longer want to sit together, or a student is being bullied and is too anxious to concentrate on their work. Whatever the environment or topic of the day, it’s up to the teacher to steer the class through the noise. But dealing with issues like bullying and other troubling personal circumstances also requires teachers to have mental reserves of their own.
The importance of tackling issues
A teacher who is overworked, stressed, or tired will lack the time and energy to dedicate to student wellbeing. At the very least, they are less likely to notice students who may be struggling, either emotionally or academically. At worst, research has shown that teacher stress can spread to the students themselves like a contagion, negatively affecting their academic success.
Having happier teachers can benefit the school, as well as the teachers themselves. A high level of staff wellbeing means better staff retention, fewer sick days and more motivated teachers. Furthermore, it creates a nicer working environment where teachers have the emotional reserves to support each other and their students.
Ways of promoting teacher wellbeing
- Identify the challenges
Staff workload, a lack of support from management and the behaviour of parents and students can all negatively affect teacher wellbeing. An open discussion of the challenges teachers face is the first step to resolving them.To allow for complete honesty, why not set up a suggestion box in the staffroom? This is a good way for teachers to post their issues and ideas for improvements anonymously. These can then be reviewed and discussed in a staff meeting.
- Professional development
Allowing teachers time to dedicate to their own progression will lead to greater confidence, enthusiasm and innovation. The key is that professional development activities shouldn’t be burdensome. Therefore, if teachers are expected to attend training, they should have their workload reduced to allow time for this. - Support and mentoring
To improve teacher performance and confidence, why not create a buddy system in your staffroom? Here, teachers partner up and meet regularly to share problems and solutions. Or for something more informal, you could allow time for staff to socialise and bond by organising extra-curricular activities, from fitness classes to coffee mornings.