Teachers play a critical role in shaping the future by educating the next generation, but their well-being and mental health often go overlooked. The global pandemic has added a new layer of stress to their already demanding jobs, which has led to an increase in teacher burnout. As a result, it’s time to go beyond mere appreciation and commit to supporting teacher well-being with action and resources. Here are five ways companies can support teacher wellness.

1. Create intentional settings for staff and educators to reconnect and heal.

One of the most effective ways to support teacher well-being is by providing them with dedicated time and space to connect and de-stress. Companies can create intentional settings where staff and educators can come together to recharge and re energize. For example, companies can organize team-building events, yoga classes, or meditation sessions to help teachers relax and find a sense of calm amidst the chaos of their jobs.

2. Offer teachers professional development to help them connect with their students.

Professional development opportunities can provide teachers with the tools they need to connect with their students and support their well-being. Companies can provide training on culturally-responsive teaching, trauma-informed practices, and social-emotional learning to equip teachers with the skills they need to help students succeed academically and emotionally.

3. Use advances in the science behind relationships as the foundation of a healthy and rigorous learning environment.

Companies can support teachers by providing them with the resources they need to build strong relationships with their students. Advances in the science of relationships can help teachers understand how to foster healthy connections with their students. Companies can offer training on the science of relationships, along with tools and resources to help teachers put this knowledge into practice.

4. Leverage tools that make it easier for teachers to foster strong relationships with their students.

Technology can be a powerful tool for teachers to build strong relationships with their students. Companies can provide teachers with access to tools that make it easier for them to connect with their students, such as virtual classrooms or communication platforms that allow for easy and consistent communication between teachers and students. These tools can help teachers stay connected with their students, even when they can’t be in the same physical space.

5. Give space for teachers to share what they need.

Finally, companies can support teacher wellness by giving them a platform to voice their needs and concerns. By listening to the needs of their community, companies can prioritize and adapt strategies to improve teacher and student well-being with insights from those who know it best — teachers and students. They can conduct school climate surveys to gather feedback from teachers and students and use that information to inform their wellness strategies.

Takeaway

In a world that’s constantly evolving, teachers have had to adapt and find new ways of teaching. This has put immense pressure on them, and it’s essential that we support their wellness. When teachers are empowered to prioritize their own well-being, they can create healthy and thriving learning environments that benefit everyone, from students to the entire education system.

Companies have a unique opportunity to support teacher wellness by providing resources, training, and tools that help them to cope with the challenges they face. By offering professional development opportunities that center on a culturally-responsive curriculum and creating intentional spaces where teachers can connect and de-stress, companies can help them build the resilience they need to thrive.

Moreover, leveraging advances in the science of relationships and technology can help teachers to foster strong connections with their students. For instance, tools like Along, designed to build strong teacher-student connections, can help students feel seen and motivated to learn. And by listening to the needs of teachers, school and district leaders can adapt strategies to improve their well-being and the well-being of their students.

In short, by supporting teacher wellness, we can create a more resilient, healthy, and thriving education system for all. Companies can make a real difference by taking action and committing to providing the necessary resources and tools for teachers to prioritize their wellness. So let’s honor our teachers’ tireless efforts, not just during Teacher Appreciation Week, but every day, and let’s help them create a brighter future for our students.