Supporting Teacher’s Well-Being

Teachers directly impact so many lives each day. Consider the wonderful characteristics of good teachers. They bring knowledge, enthusiasm, and a love of learning to share with others—preparing students with life skills beyond classroom knowledge. Teachers are constantly adapting to their environment while being creative to meet the learning needs of a diverse student population.

Teachers provide modeling and instruction for interpersonal skills. They strive to create safe spaces for children to feel seen and heard. My favorite teachers encourage students to reach beyond what they thought was possible. They are powerful agents for empowering students to build community and inspire change into adulthood.

In addition to teaching academics and being role models, teachers support children with their social-emotional development. They notice students who are struggling with emotions or behaviors. Children are struggling in multiple settings, especially schools; it is important to work together toward improving youth mental health.

Common mental health challenges among youth in the United States include the following:

• Anxiety
• Feeling stressed
• Lack of motivation
• Feeling lonely
• Depressed mood
• Inability to concentrate
• Panic

Common types of mental illness in children are also present in adults, but the symptoms can look different. Symptoms can manifest as internalizing (such as anxiety, depression, withdrawal, and somatic symptoms) and externalizing “acting out” behaviors. Student behaviors can be challenging to manage, especially depending on the severity of symptoms and impact on the classroom. Teachers may neglect to care for their own mental health needs when focused on supporting their students and families.

Teachers can be prone to burnout, particularly compassion fatigue. If you are a teacher who is also a parent of a child with special needs, are caring for aging parents, or work with student populations impacted by high rates of poverty and trauma you may be at a higher risk for compassion fatigue.

With the energy and excitement of a new school year, now is a great time to connect with a therapist for mental health support before stressors begin to reach an overwhelming level. I have seen firsthand the benefits of supporting educators with what they need as they process, cope, and thrive. CARE Counseling would be honored to join you in your teaching journey this year.

Written By: Charlotte Johnson, MA, LPCC

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