Supporting the Well-Being of Teachers and Staff amid COVID-19
Address teacher and staff self-care and prevent burnout
Concerns of poor mental health and burnout among teachers are not new. Before the outbreak of COVID-19, three in four teachers reported feeling mentally and physically exhausted at the end of each day. Pressure to improve academic outcomes and growing concerns about student well-being have left K-12 educators more vulnerable than ever to compassion fatigue and secondary traumatic stress.
2020 has driven anxiety among teachers to new heights as they grapple with concerns over their own health and finances and worry for the well-being of their students, families, and friends. In May, 80% of teachers reported feeling anxious, worried, exhausted, and depressed. Reports indicate that these rates have only increased in subsequent weeks.
To support teachers through the unpredictable months and years ahead, district and school leaders must establish a portfolio of practices and programs that are effective, scalable, low cost, and sustainable. EAB research has found best-in class practices to revolve around four distinct pillars.
Step one: Assess current practices for supporting employee mental health
Evaluate your district’s or school’s current mental health practices against recommended best practices from leading institutions and to identify areas in need of improvement.
Step two: Create structures for employee social-emotional self-care
Help your teachers and staff gain greater awareness of the signs and effects of occupational stress, while encouraging them to monitor their current mental well-being and incorporate basic self-care strategies into their daily routines.
Step three: Establish school-based peer support networks
Develop formal peer support networks that will deliver sustainable and meaningful impact throughout the school year and help employees hold one another accountable to caring for their social-emotional needs.
Step four: Track your progress toward supporting employees' well-being
Assess your team’s ongoing progress in supporting employees’ mental well-being and determine if on track to meet those goals.
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