Britain’s teachers are a key part of our society, working tirelessly to shape the minds and futures of our youth. Improving and maintaining teacher wellbeing is vital for a number of reasons. Firstly, all employees deserve to know that their mental, physical and emotional well-being are priorities for their employer, but also because the happier and healthier our teachers are, the happier and healthier their students will be.
Here, we share five practical tips for improving and maintaining teacher wellbeing.
- Invest in their development
The education field is one that evolves and changes rapidly. From education law changes to new technology in the classroom and curriculum, teachers must have the necessary resources to be kept up to speed and improve their professional skills. Schools must ensure that teachers in their employ have access to training and professional development opportunities through INSET days, workshops, seminars and any programs that may be beneficial.
Providing such training and professional development is not only key for the above reasons, but it can also help to improve the confidence of teachers which will translate into their classroom practices, making sure their lessons and their days go more smoothly.
- Offer relaxing spaces
Just like any professional working in any field, teachers need dedicated breakout spaces and areas in which they can relax during breaks and planning times. Ensuring that break rooms and staff areas are designed to promote wellbeing, community, support and peace of mind will be a key element. This might mean that a staff room is broken into dedicated spaces, where teachers can spend time with other members of staff, take a quiet seat to meditate for a few moments or find a cheerful place to have a coffee or eat their lunch.
Unlike many professionals, for a large portion of the day, teachers are separate from their colleagues as they spend the majority of their time in the classroom with their students. Making sure that the staff room provides a positive environment where teachers can gather or find some quiet time will go a long way in adding to the quality of their wellbeing.
3. Ensure support
Teachers face many challenges. From classroom and behaviour management to workload balance and supply shortages, they certainly have their hands full. When teachers know they have support, it can make all the difference. It is imperative that those in leadership positions within a school and the education system make it known to teachers that they are supported.
Whether a teacher needs support in managing particularly challenging student behaviour or unrealistic workload expectations, the role of leadership is to provide structure and help to set them up for success and job satisfaction.
4. Provide quality classroom furniture and equipment
In order for anyone to do their job well, they must have the appropriate equipment - and teachers are no exception to this rule. Having the proper technology available, like Smart Boards or online portals, family communication systems, laptops, and tablets, will mean that teachers can deliver their lessons more efficiently and that they can provide the learning experience their students deserve.
In addition, the right classroom furniture is key. Providing well-designed teacher desks that offer a comfortable working service and adequate storage is important. In addition, a comfortable school office chair that promotes ergonomic wellbeing is very important.
5. Prioritise mental health
Recent research shows that the mental health of teachers in the UK is suffering as a whole. Providing counselling, coping and mindfulness techniques for managing stress is a great starting point. The real change needs to come from government and leadership, but when teachers feel supported, it makes a world of difference.