Teacher Self-care | Reducing Burn-out as a Lead Educator

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We took a closer look into supporting teacher self-care in our recent workshop called “Teacher Self-care | Reducing Burn-out as a Lead Educator.” If you were not able to attend, please watch the recording here.

Teachers everywhere are feeling overwhelmed, and stress abounds for lead educators as well. Self-care is important, yet oft de-prioritized in favor of the students, so how can lead educators help decrease teacher stress? Well, it begins with taking a step back! The student’s well-being is the primary concern of teachers, but we realize that means the teachers need to take a step back and take care of themselves. However, that’s not where the chain ends, because in order for a lead educator to support the teacher, they need to step back and practice their own self-care! Whew!

To get a more complete picture, definitely watch the 30 minute video linked above, but below we provide key concepts and reflection questions lead educators can ask themselves in order to help translate support to teachers. Consider reflecting on these collectively with your leadership team. The first 4 are WHAT you can do, while the last 3 are HOW you can help.

What can you do to support teacher self-care?

1. Model Self-Care: Teacher Self-care starts with YOU taking care of your-self!

  • Reflection Question: How am I modeling self-care to the teachers I support?

2. Listen to Feedback: Teachers need to feel heard and validated

  • Reflection Question: How am I making space to hear from teachers?

  • Reflection Question: How do I hold their frustration together?

  • Reflection Question: How can I then advocate for teachers to make systemic changes that make things better?

3. Early Communication: Give plenty of notice whenever possible

  • Reflection Question: How is my communication (or potential lack of) creating stress for teachers?

  • Reflection Question: What things should I communicate earlier?

4. Simplify: Make things a simple as possible

  • Reflection Question: What can be removed from teachers’ plates?

  • Reflection Question: What can be simplified and still achieve the same goals?

How can you support teacher self-care?

5. Flexibility: Flex where you can

  • Reflection Question: How can I increase teacher self-determination, or allow them to be more flexible with their lessons or how they meet expectations?

6. Facilitate Growth: Look for ways to help them grow

  • Reflection Question: How can you support teachers in their ongoing growth and proficiency as a teacher?

7. Joy and Fun: Facilitate a joyful school culture that includes opportunities for collective fun 

  • Reflection Question: How can you find ways to have fun and celebrate small wins together?

Visit our workshops page to view the full 30-minute workshop introducing these, and we hope you gain some good ideas for supporting your teachers during the 20-21 school year!

Lauren Vargas